Page 18 - Work Force October 2023

Halloween and oral health: Striking a balance between sweets and smiles
Halloween is a beloved holiday filled with costumes, spooky decorations and sweets.
While it’s a time of fun and festivities, it also raises concerns about oral health, as indulging in sugary treats can have detrimental effects on teeth and gums.
This article
explores the
intersection of
Halloween and oral
health, offering
insights into
maintaining dental
well-being while
enjoying the holiday to the fullest.
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) offers eligible members dental plans that can help members and their families balance the fun.
Sugary temptations
Halloween wouldn’t be the
same without the allure of candies, chocolates and other sugary delights.
However, these treats can lead to an increased risk of dental problems. Sugars and carbohydrates in candies serve as food for harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Moderation
To strike a balance between enjoying Halloween sweets and preserving oral health, moderation is key. Parents and caregivers can encourage children
to enjoy their candy in moderation and establish a set daily limit for consumption. It is advisable to avoid sticky candies that can cling to teeth, such as caramels and taffy, as they are more likely to cause tooth decay.
Dental hygiene during Halloween
Maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine during Halloween is crucial.
Here are some reminders. Brush: Encourage regular
tooth brushing, ideally after each sugary treat or meal, using fluoride toothpaste. Proper brushing removes food particles and sugar from the teeth, reducing the risk of decay.
Floss: Emphasize the importance of flossing to remove debris and food particles from between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach effectively.
Rinse: Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to further protect against harmful bacteria
and acids. It’s a helpful addition to a dental care routine, especially during candy-filled holidays.
Alternative Halloween treats
Consider offering non-candy alternatives as treats. Stickers,
small toys or Halloween-themed accessories can be just as exciting for children and less detrimental to their oral health. Many communities and organizations also promote healthier
Halloween alternatives to traditional candy, encouraging both fun and dental wellness.
Post-Halloween checkup
After the Halloween festivities, scheduling a dental checkup can help identify any potential issues early on. Dentists can assess the condition of teeth and gums and provide guidance on maintaining optimal oral health.
Halloween and oral health need
not be at odds with each other. While sugary treats are an integral part of the holiday, promoting moderation, diligent dental hygiene, and thoughtful candy choices can help mitigate the risks to teeth and gums. Encouraging healthy habits during Halloween can ensure that the holiday remains a time of joy and celebration without compromising oral health. So, this Halloween, remember to strike a balance between sweets and smiles to keep those pearly whites in top shape for years to come.
Use Flex Spending Account funds before end of year
The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a negotiated state employee benefit that helps save you money by allowing you to pay certain expenses using pre-tax dollars.
The Health Care Spending Account, the Dependent Care Advantage Account and the Adoption Advantage Account are benefit programs available under New York State’s FSA.
You can only be reimbursed for expenses that are incurred during your period of coverage, which means:
Because of the tax advantages of • the FSA, the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) has strict guidelines for its use.
One of these guidelines is commonly
known as the “use it or lose it” rule. Simply put, if you contribute pre-
tax dollars into your FSA account
and then do not have enough eligible • expenses during the plan year to
equal the amount you contributed,
you will lose the balance remaining
in your account when the plan year
ends.
before the date of your qualifying event. Your coverage will end on December 31.
Unused contributions will carry over to the next plan year for you
to use. During the plan year runout period (January 1-March 31), the previous year funds may still be used for the previous year expenses. Any remaining funds, up to the IRS limit from the previous year, will then carry over into the current plan year’s account balance after the runout period end date. The
current IRS carryover limit is $610. Remember, if you plan properly, you are unlikely to forfeit any of your funds.
To check your 2023 balance, visit https://uba.tasconline.com/login
or call the FSA Administrator, Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) at 800-358-7202.
Pay close attention to the Flex Spending Account Open Enrollment Period for 2024. If you are currently enrolled and wish to continue participation in this program, you must re-enroll each year.
18 The Work Force
October 2023
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If you enroll during the open enrollment period and remain on the state payroll for the entire year, your period of coverage is from January 1 to December 31.
If you enroll during the plan year as a new employee, your period of coverage will begin after you complete 60 consecutive calendar days of state service. Your coverage will end on December 31.
If you enroll during the plan year due to a change in status, your period of coverage will begin when your change in status application is received. However, it can’t take effect