You Can Enjoy Halloween with Braces!

It’s OCTOBER! For most or all of us, this month begins with the weather changing, drinking pumpkin spice latte’s, and of course, Halloween! But for your orthodontist, it’s also a month to recognize their patient’s beautiful, healthy smile in honor of National Orthodontic Health Month. This is a perfect time to review a few helpful tips to embrace October worry-free for Chesapeake Orthodontist and Virginia Beach Orthodontist patients. 

Can I still eat Halloween candy?

YES! Enjoying candy while wearing braces is still an option. BUT, avoid damaging your braces and extending your orthodontic treatment by staying away from certain candy items.  Broken brackets will require a trip to the orthodontist to repair and multiple broken brackets can extend your time in braces.

Keep it simple, avoid hard & sticky items: 

• Caramels, Taffy, Jellybeans, Bubblegum
• Hard Candy, Suckers, Licorice
• Popcorn and Nuts

Keep in mind, you are not off the hook if you are drinking sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks. These drinks have added sugar, which causes decalcification (white marks) on teeth. Read more about decalcification here. 

You are probably wondering what you can eat or drink? Actually, quite a lot; eat soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies. Those tend to be less risky when keeping your braces intact. 

Good options: 

• Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
• Peanut butter cups
• Marshmallows
• Soft Cookies

Eating Halloween candy in excess can cause more than a bad stomach ache. Any type of sugary snacks can accumulate around braces and lead to cavities or gum disease (gingivitis). Establish an oral care regimen that involves preventive measures, it can help avoid tooth decay and promote healthier gums.

Checklist for success: Brush for two minutes, two times a day with fluoride toothpaste with the seal of approval from the American Dental Association.  Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and decrease cavities.. 

• Use your electric toothbrush that Dr. Christenson & Dr. Oakley gave you, which has been shown to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. 
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and debris that brushing alone can leave behind. Ortho-specific flossers and water-piks are both good alternatives to traditional floss while you are in braces. 
• Rinse with a mouthwash containing fluoride to strengthen the enamel and decrease the bacteria in the mouth.