Snickers, Twix and braces, oh my! Are you one of those people who can’t resist a good Halloween candy? If so, you may be wondering if there are any special precautions you need to take this year if you’re wearing braces. Fear not – we’ve got you covered! Read on for a guide to the best and worst candies for people with braces.
“Fang-tastic” Halloween Candy!
If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on trick-or-treating with all your friends. There are still plenty of delicious treats that you can safely enjoy!
- Sugar-Free Candy: Good oral hygiene is just as important during treatment as it was before! To avoid cavities and tooth discoloration, make sure you avoid sugary candy and beverages. If you do enjoy an occasional sugary treat, rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
- Chocolate: Chocolate (without nuts) is a great choice because it is soft and won’t risk damaging or breaking a bracket. Chocolate is universally loved and comes in a variety of options for every preference. Chocolate also contains no acid, which is one of the biggest cavity causers in the candy world.
- Fruit: This might not be the trick-or-treaters’ favorite treat, but fruit is a great option for people with braces. Individually-wrapped strawberries, blueberries, raisins, raspberries and watermelon are safe treats. Chocolate-covered fruit is even tastier!
- Dairy Treats: Individually-wrapped dairy products are a good choice for children with braces. Regular or frozen yogurt tubes are delicious, and string cheese will not only act as a snack but a much-needed boost for kids who treat Halloween like an extreme sport!
Boo! Avoid These Treats
Eating certain Halloween candy comes with different risks!
- Hard Candy: By eating hard candy, you risk damaging or breaking your brackets, requiring an extra trip to the orthodontist. Avoid hard candies like chocolate with nuts, Life Savers and lollipops.
- Sticky and Chewy Candy: Braces already make it a little trickier to brush and floss your teeth. Don’t make it worse by consuming sticky candy that gets stuck in the brackets and bands! Avoid caramel candies, Jolly Ranchers, Starburst and gum.
- Sugary Candy: Avoiding sugary treats and beverages, along with brushing and flossing twice daily, is the best way to minimize the risk of cavities. Stick to sugar-free candy this Halloween!
Whatever candy you choose to consume this Halloween, remember to brush and floss your teeth afterwards to keep your smile bright and healthy! If you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to call Richmond Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at (804) 352-6820.
