Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes plenty of seasonal fun! From trick-or-treating to spooky parties, there are so many things to look forward to. However, if you’ve got braces, you may not be anticipating Halloween as eagerly.
It can be difficult to enjoy a holiday centered around candy when it feels like you can’t participate. But, just because you have braces doesn’t mean you have to lose out on all the fun! We’ve provided some helpful dos and don’ts for your holiday celebration.
Do: Choose soft, easy-to-chew treats
Softer candies are better for your teeth in general, but especially if you’ve got braces. Snacks such as chocolate, peanut butter cups, milkshakes, Jell-O, and ice cream won’t get stuck in your brackets or cause your braces to break. Additionally, these treats are less likely to cause cavities or other kinds of damage because they wash off your teeth easily. Dark chocolate is especially good for your oral health because it contains less sugar and won’t damage appliances.
Don’t: Get in a sticky situation
Sticky candies like caramel and taffy embed themselves in the crevices of your mouth (including your braces!), which can lead to cavities. Sticky candies may also cause your braces and wires to come loose, which can lead to discomfort and slow down your treatment. You should avoid sticky, chewy candy if you have braces!
You’ll also want to stay away from hard candies, as they may chip your teeth or break your brackets and wires. Hard candies aren’t great for your oral health because they take longer to eat. The longer sugar is in contact with your teeth, the higher your chance of cavities.
Do: Brush and floss your teeth
Taking proper care of your oral hygiene is always important, but if you’ve got braces or aligners around Halloween time, it’s even more essential. Make sure to stay vigilant with your dental health habits around Halloween—even if you feel inclined to slack off.
Don’t: Consume sugary drinks
During a holiday season known for treats, skip sugary drinks! Beverages such as soda, sports drinks, and sweetened waters may be delicious, but they can have serious consequences for your smile. Soda contains acid that can strip away important vitamins and minerals from your tooth enamel, and sugary drinks help produce cavity-causing bacteria. Try to swap these drinks out for water! During a candy-filled day, you won’t want the extra sugar anyway.
Do: Budget or donate your candy
After Halloween, many kids have enough candy to last them a few weeks! To encourage children to space out their candy consumption, create a candy budget of a few pieces per day. Many communities also hold Halloween candy donations where you can donate your leftover treats. This is a great opportunity for children to do good for others and get rid of any candy that is not braces friendly.
Don’t: Skip orthodontic or dental appointments
Keeping up with appointments ensures the health of your smile and catches any issues, such as cavities, early on. After a sugar-filled holiday, don’t neglect your biannual dentist visits or checkups with our team. Your dentist can detect and treat issues that may slow down treatment, and we can ensure your appliances are in tip-top shape.
At Hutta & Price Orthodontics, we are committed to helping you enjoy a happy, healthy Halloween. We are here for all of your orthodontic needs, no matter the season. If you think of any questions, have concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!