OCTOBER 27 • 2022 | 35

A

s we finish the last 
week in October, 
which is also National 
Dental Hygiene 
Month, Olivia Zabel, 
R.D.H, a hygienist 
from the Metro Detroit 
Jewish community, 
shares a few tips to 
help spread the impor-
tance of oral health. 
“Electric toothbrush-
es are key,
” Zabel said. “[But]
I always tell my patients I don’t 
care what you use as long as you 
do something when it comes to 
flossing.
”
For those who celebrate 
Halloween and take their chil-
dren out for trick-or-treating, 
Zabel says there are a few things 
to keep in mind after the kids 
collect their candy. 
“Chewy, sticky and gooey 
candies like Skittles, Starburst 
and Sour Patch Kids are the 
worst for your teeth. Chocolate 
candy is almost better because 
it melts and dissolves away and 

doesn’t stick to your teeth like 
the other stuff does.
”
When you do sit down to 
eat candy, Zabel also 
recommends keeping 
the frequency as low as 
possible. 
“So, if you’re going to 
eat 10 pieces of candy, 
it’s better for you to do 
it in one sitting than it 
is to eat 10 pieces over 
two hours.
”
If you’re worried about sugar 
intake in general, Zabel adds 
that you can use xylitol, a low-
er-calorie sugar substitute with 
a low glycemic index.
“Xylitol can help prevent 
cavities. The only thing to con-
sider is that there can be some 
GI upset if you eat too much 
of it, but it’s a good alternative. 
You can also stick to sugar-free 
candies.
”
No matter what, Zabel says 
after eating candy to drink 
water, floss and to brush your 
teeth. 

A few do’s and dont’s for National 
Dental Hygiene Month.

Dental Tips
from a Hygienist

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Olivia Zabel

REMIAND.CO

DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Certifi
 ed by The American Board of Surgery, 
The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship 
Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

W est Maple
Plastic Surgery

(248) 865-6400

5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi
 eld

Awaken the 
Beauty Within...

Beyond the Scope of 
Traditional Oral 
Healthcare 

www.drnemeth.com • 248.357.3100 

29829 Telegraph Road, Suite 111 • Southfield, MI 48034

If you’re experiencing...

• Bleeding or Inflamed Gums 

• Bad Breath 

• Loose or Missing Teeth 

• Receding Gums

• An Uneven Gumline or a 
 Gummy Smile 

...Come and see what 
we can do for you!

HEALTH

