Ask Dr. Rad: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

As Halloween nears closer and closer, our staff at Rad Orthodontics know a lot parents here in College Park, Potomac and Washington D.C. are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! 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! In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Rad as soon as possible.

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

Staying healthy this cold season, from Rad Orthodontics

Here we go again: it's officially cold and flu season, and once again time to remind our patients at Rad Orthodontics to try and steer clear of that cold that's been going around lately.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in both our Potomac and College Park offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Drs. Rad and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy this fall!

Rad Orthodontics, Invisalign Elite Providers in Maryland

While you probably know that we offer Invisalign treatment at Rad Orthodontics, did you know that Dr. Mehdy Rad is an Invisalign Elite Provider?

You're probably thinking: Ok, so what does this certification mean?

It means Dr. Rad is specially trained in the Invisalign system of clear removable aligners, and has had extensive experience working with the system with his patients. Elite Providers like Dr. Rad have achieved the highest level of experience with the Invisalign system, and are the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the entire country!

If you are considering the Invisalign system, give us a call at our convenient Potomac or College Park locations to schedule a complimentary consultation. During this appointment, we can work with you to determine if the Invisalign system is right for you!

Happy Monday!

At Rad Orthodontics, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Rad Orthodontics wanted to remind Dr. Rad's patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Meet Dr. Dave!

Dr. David Rad grew up outside of Boston in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate education at Boston University, where he graduated with honors in Economics. He went on to Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where he completed his DMD, magna cum laude. He was awarded membership into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society for excellence in academic achievement. He was also awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology for his outstanding academic achievements in the field of Oral Pathology.

Dr. Rad went on to receive a Masters of Science Degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate study, both in the field of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Boston University Dental School. He served as chief resident during his clinical residency and was trained under world-renowned orthodontist Dr. Anthony A Gianelly.

Dr. Rad practiced general dentistry and orthodontics in a private practice in Wellesley, Massachusetts before moving to the Maryland. Dr. Rad is an avid advocate of using the latest techniques and technologies in orthodontics and is incorporating them with Rad Orthodontics in order to provide the most efficient, highest quality treatment possible.

In his free time Dr. Rad enjoys soccer, tennis, squash, running and pretty much any activity involving the beach and ocean. He also is trying to learn golf, so feel free to give him some pointers.