Costumed trick-or-treaters will soon be hitting Iowa’s sidewalks and parents might be able to use a few tips about how to help their kids scare away cavities this Halloween. Ashley Aubry, a registered dental hygienist, says the bacteria inside our mouths is probably more excited than children about candy because it feeds on sugar, producing a weak acid — and that acid is what contributes to cavities.  Aubry says, “It may be a good idea to divide the candy out and make sure they only eat the candy they like and make sure that they only eat it after a meal, as a snack, and if they do eat that snack, make sure they brush right afterwards.”

Not all candies are created equal. Sticky, gummy and hard candies can stay on teeth longer, giving bacteria a longer time to snack. According to the American Dental Association, chocolate is likely the best option for children because it washes off teeth more easily than some of the other types of sweets. Also ideal are alternative treats like fruits, veggies or popcorn. She says parents need to restrict access to the candy, otherwise kids may gobble it for hours on end. “Whether it’s sucking on a hard piece of candy like a Jolly Rancher or eating a bag full of gummy bears,” Aubry says, “the key thing is to make sure that they don’t consume the food all day and that they take the time to brush and drink plenty of water because without, that sticky, chewy food will stay on their teeth all day.”

Limit the stash of post-Halloween candy. Aubry suggest parents let children choose the candy they like best and then donate the rest. Also, the ADA recommends children and adults brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, and floss once a day. Aubry is a clinical instructor at Creighton University’s School of Dentistry.

(Radio Iowa)

A routine traffic stop early this (Thursday) morning, in Adams County, resulted in the arrest of a man and woman on drug charges. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports a vehicle was pulled over at around 12:15-a.m. in Corning.

Following an investigation, the driver of the vehicle, 20-year old Timothy Graves of Fort Dodge, was taken into custody on an active warrant for violation of probation, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His passenger,19-year old Rajah Tanney, of Eagle Grove, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Both were booked into the Adams County Jail and held, pending further court proceedings.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) – Police have charged a Burlington man with killing his mother by striking her in the head with an electric guitar. The Hawk Eye newspaper reports 29-year-old Garret S. Selters was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday in the death of 56-year-old Linda Selters. Police say Garret Selters struck his mother in the back of her head with a Les Paul guitar.

Linda Selters had called 911 Tuesday morning, seeking help because her son was having an “episode.” Officers quickly arrived and found Garret Selters outside, pacing and stating he’d killed his mother. Linda Selters died Tuesday night at an Iowa City hospital after being removed from a respirator. Garret Selters appeared at a court hearing Wednesday, where his bond was set at $1 million. He was appointed a public defender.