For those with braces, Halloween can be extra scary. 😱
Sugary candy and sweets love to cling to braces, allowing them to stick around and haunt you. 👻 Foods that can get stuck in and around your braces increase your risk of cavities. Hard and crunchy candies can pose a hazard to braces by damaging or breaking the brackets and wires that hold them in place.
Some of the most monstrous 👾 treats include:
- Hard candies (suckers, candy canes, jawbreakers, etc.)
- Chewy candies (taffy, caramels)
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Bubblegum
- Licorice
- Caramel apples
Don’t be tricked – there are still plenty of ghoulish goodies that are more braces-friendly:
- Chocolate (dark chocolate has less sugar than other kinds, but avoid caramel or nuts as fillings or toppings)
- Peanut butter
- Candies with soft, fluffy fillings like mousse or nougat
If you can carve 🎃 out time, skip the candy collecting altogether and make and enjoy these treats at home instead:
- Apple cider
- Root beer floats
- Soft cookies
- Cake
- Brownies
Even with these less terrifying treats, it’s still essential to maintain your dental routine and provide the extra care that braces require.
Avoid munching on candy all throughout the day. Try to enjoy your treats during or right after mealtimes when your mouth is already producing more saliva, making it easier for the extra sugar to wash away and not stick around your teeth. Make sure you’re drinking enough water.
If you can, plan for a candy swap with family or friends. This way, you can hopefully trade for treats that are easier on your braces and get rid of some of the things that are better avoided.
Cutting up candy or breaking it up with your hands into smaller pieces can help you eat it safely without it getting stuck in or causing damage to your braces
When you’re through with the day and have completed brushing, flossing, and carefully cleaning around your braces, take one last look in the mirror to check for any damage. Hopefully, by choosing your treats carefully, you will have avoided any issues, but if you notice anything off, make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist to get it fixed right away.
We hope these tips help you have a fang-tastic Halloween 🎃 🧛🎃 🧛 🎃
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
