Ask Dr. Kelly Hilgers: What's the deal with Halloween candies & treats?

For parents in Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale and nearby communities worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

We know all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel.

So what's a parent to do?

Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our team recommend soft treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they rinse, brush and floss between teeth and at the gum line. If you have any questions, please feel to ask us on Facebook this weekend!

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Don't throw your insurance benefits away!

Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our entire team would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's about that time to schedule your child's dental visits so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call at (623) 536–0079! Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

- From the entire team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry

Cheese and your child's oral health

Did you know research shows cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth? Not only does cheese provide large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also fights cavities. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss and Mozzarella all do their part to stimulate our salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris ...and protect them from acids that weaken them.

What does that mean? Cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Hope this helps!

Movie night this Friday - "Princess and the Frog"

This upcoming Friday (October 15), Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry are proud to present "Princess and the Frog" at the Goodyear Ball Park - we hope to see you all there!

Here's a quick synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. A modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.

Dr. Kelly & Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, supporting National Dental Hygiene Month

Would you believe it's already October? For Dr. Kelly Hilgers, Dr. Greg Mathieu and our staff at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, that means only one thing: National Dental Hygiene Month.

Your child's teeth are an important part of his or her body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Goodyear, Arizona office on a regular basis, your child can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout his or her entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your child's mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your child's last visit to Dr. Kelly's office? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (623) 536–0079 to set up an appointment. We hope you enjoyed your weekend!