Halloween Tips for People with Braces

October is the American Association of Orthodontists Orthodontic Health Month. It can be a particularly challenging time of year for patients with braces and appliances to maintain good oral health and protect braces and appliances from getting into a ‘sticky situation’.
At Strathcona Orthodontics, we recommend avoiding hard, sticky and chewy candies and snacks even at Halloween. These treats can damage braces and appliances and in the long run may prolong your treatment. In addition, eating too much candy of any kind can be hazardous to your oral hygiene and can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Establishing good eating and brushing habits not only protects your teeth and oral health for a lifetime, it helps your overall health by reducing the risk of many diseases.

A good rule of thumb is to follow Strathcona Orthodontics ‘Eating with Braces’ guide:

TOO BIG TO BITE - CUT IT UP! TOO HARD TO CHEW - DON’T EAT IT!

BEEF JERKY - do not eat

BREAD CRUST/PIZZA CRUST - cut into small bites

CANDIES - do not bite! Stay clear of licorice (Twizzlers™), hard caramels etc.

CHIPS - small pieces only

GUM - sugarless only, and no bubblegum (of any kind)

ICE - do not chew

MEATS - cut from the bone

NUTS - do not eat

PENS & PENCILS - do not chew

POPCORN - do not eat the kernels

RAW FRUITS & VEGETABLES - cut into small bites.

Here are some additional tips that will help patients and parents this Halloween:

Set aside an allotted time of day to let your kids enjoy their treats, and then send them to brush and floss right away.
Only have soft snacks available to hand out to trick or treaters and family members.
Increase your brushing and flossing during Halloween.
Carefully look through your child’s treat bag to discard any of the at-risk candy on the list. Think about substituting ice cream or frozen yogurt as a treat after returning home from trick or treating.