Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, parties, spooky decorations and, of course, CANDY!
But if you have braces, not every Halloween treat is a good choice. Some candies are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy and can damage brackets and wires or make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean.
The good news? You don't have to skip Halloween altogether! With a little planning, you can enjoy some treats while protecting your orthodontic smile.
Choose Your Halloween Treats Wisely
When you're sorting through your Halloween haul, try to choose treats that are softer and easier on your braces.
Better Choices
Some treats that are generally easier on braces include:
- Chocolate that melts easily
- Peanut butter cups without hard or crunchy pieces
- Soft chocolate bars
- Plain chocolate
- Soft cookies or other soft treats
Remember to enjoy treats in moderation and follow your orthodontist's specific recommendations.
Treats to Avoid with Braces
Some Halloween favourites can be particularly hard on brackets and wires.
Try to avoid:
- Hard candy
- Sticky or chewy candy
- Caramel and taffy
- Toffee
- Candy apples
- Gummy candies
- Jelly beans
- Popcorn, especially kernels
- Nuts and very crunchy treats
- Anything you need to bite or pull apart with your front teeth
These foods can bend wires, loosen brackets or get stuck around your braces.
Why Is Sticky Candy a Problem?
Sticky and chewy candies can cling to your brackets and wires, making them difficult to remove.
They can also pull on brackets and wires, potentially causing damage that could mean an unexpected visit to the orthodontic office.
Hard candies can be a problem too. Biting down on them can put significant pressure on brackets and teeth.
Don't Forget Your Halloween Oral Hygiene!
Halloween is also a good reminder that brushing and flossing are especially important during orthodontic treatment.
After enjoying your treats:
1. Brush thoroughly.
Brush around your brackets, along the gumline and on all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss every day.
Use floss or an orthodontic flossing aid to clean between your teeth and around your braces.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Water helps rinse away leftover food and keeps your mouth hydrated.
4. Don't snack on candy all day.
Enjoying your treats at one time rather than continually snacking throughout the day can help reduce repeated exposure to sugar.
What If a Bracket Comes Loose?
Even when you're careful, accidents can happen.
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks, don't panic! Contact our office so our team can advise you on what to do and whether an appointment is needed.
Avoid trying to fix or remove orthodontic appliances yourself.
Have a Spooktacular Halloween!
Having braces doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun of Halloween.
With a little planning, you can enjoy your favourite braces-friendly treats, take care of your teeth and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
So dress up, enjoy the festivities and remember:
Treat your teeth as carefully as you treat your Halloween candy!
From everyone at London Braces, we wish all of our patients and families a safe, happy and smile-filled Halloween!
If you have questions about which foods are appropriate during your orthodontic treatment, please contact our office. Individual recommendations may vary depending on your treatment.