Not only is OCTOBER a time to celebrate beautiful, healthy smiles honoring National Orthodontic Health Month, it is also the perfect time to review a few helpful “tricks" on how to keep your smile healthy, braces intact, and still celebrate Halloween!
Orthodontists and dentists tend to have the reputation for putting a damper on Halloween fun. However, Halloween is actually one of my favorite holidays to celebrate! Although my excitement for the holiday is based on my love for do-it-yourself crafts, decor, and persuading my family into participating in a family-themed costume, I, too, enjoy and indulge in yummy Halloween treats.
Can I eat Halloween candy with braces?
YES! You can definitely still enjoy candy while wearing braces. When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is important to be selective in the treats you pick to avoid damaging your braces and prevent cavities. Broken brackets will require extra trips to the orthodontist to repair, and multiple broken brackets will extend your time in braces. Also keep in mind the drinks you enjoy that might have added sugar - like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks. Sugar can lead to cavities, causing decalcification (white marks) on teeth.
You are probably wondering what treats you CAN enjoy? Actually, quite a lot! To help you select which treats to enjoy and which to avoid, we have put together a "Bad, Better, and Best Snacks - Halloween Candy Edition!"
BAD (Avoid!):
Gummy or sticky candies
Crunchy cookies
Caramels
Taffy
Jellybeans/Sour Patch Kids
Skittles
Bubblegum
Hard candies
Suckers
Licorice
Nuts
Popcorn
BETTER:
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats!
Milk chocolate (without nuts or caramel)
Reese’s peanut butter cups
Soft cookies
Kit-Kats
M&Ms (without nuts)
Junior mints
3 Musketeers
BEST:
Dark Chocolate
Ice Cream
Sliced apples with peanut butter
Brownies
As long as you are sticking to the “Better” and “Best” lists, your smile will stay BOO-tiful!
Happy Snacking and Trick-Or-Treating!
Dr. Godley a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). She is also board certified from the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO) to provide her patients the very best recommendations and treatment.
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