October 31 marks every child’s favorite holiday—filled with friends, costumes, candies, and scares. Even if the holiday looks a little different this year, with socially-distanced activities or virtual Trick-or-Treating, we know that it will still be a day to remember!
This Halloween, don’t let your teeth and braces give you a scare. At Hutta & Price Orthodontics, we’re debunking three common myths, so you can enjoy a safe, happy, and braces-friendly Halloween:
1. MYTH: EATING HALLOWEEN CANDY WILL CAUSE TOOTH DECAY.
For years, sugar has always been labeled as the number one cause of tooth decay and cavities. While eating a lot of sugar does contribute to tooth decay when the sugar is broken down, the major cause of tooth decay is actually improper cleaning of teeth. Sugary and starchy foods in the mouth form plaque, a kind of ever-growing bacteria. Removing plaque prevents acids from wearing away the surface of your teeth. So, while you should encourage your child to limit candy consumption, your primary concern should be that they brush and floss properly. Good oral hygiene means cleaning teeth and braces 30 minutes after every meal or snack—or as soon as kids get home from Trick-or-Treating.
2. MYTH: TREATS ARE A NO-GO WITH BRACES.
Although hard, chewy, and sticky candies should be avoided while wearing braces, there are plenty of safe treats to consume as well. Examples of these include most chocolates that melt in the mouth (REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, HERSHEY’S Kisses, 3 Musketeers), cookies and apple slices (when cut finely), and sweet ice creams. For optimal dental health, encourage kids to steer clear of highly acidic treats—like sour sprays or Fun Dip. These are not ideal for anyone’s teeth!
3. MYTH: KIDS CAN’T ENJOY HALLOWEEN WITH BRACES.
Orthodontic treatment does not mean that Halloween will be boring. It’s true that the holiday may require some sacrifices for braces-wearers, but the end result of orthodontic treatment is well worth skipping out on that taffy or caramel! Get your kids excited about the many braces-friendly treats they can enjoy. And, help them incorporate their braces into a unique costume idea. Having an amazing costume is sure to put a smile on their faces!
From all of us at Hutta & Price Orthodontics, we wish you a happy Halloween. If you have any questions or need to book an appointment, give us a call at (614) 855-8800.