Halloween is undoubtedly the best part of October for most people! However, biting into a candied apple or toffee bar could prove to be a sticky affair if your child has braces. While it’s natural for children to get wrapped up in the holiday spirit and go on a candy binge, you must take precautionary measures to ensure your child doesn’t harm his/her teeth and braces. Apart from damaging braces, consuming excessive sugar and starch can also trigger other dental issues like cavities, tooth decay, yellowing and unpleasant breath.
Here’s what you can do to protect your child’s teeth and reduce the impact of all the Halloween candy:
- Stay Away from Sticky and Chewy Candy
Apart from Invisalign, if your child wears any other type of braces; ensure that he/she maintains a safe distance from hard, sticky or crunchy candy. This also includes:
- Taffy
- Bubble Gum and/or Gum Drops
- Gummy Bears
- Licorice
- Caramel Chocolate
- Nut Filled Candies
- Starburst
- Popcorn Balls
The various types of candies and chocolates mentioned above have the tendency to stick to your braces, or worse, get stuck to a bracket and pull the bracket/wire off. Instead, choose brace safe candies whose texture strikes the right balance. Chocolates or treats that not too hard on braces and that can be easily removed or brushed are a perfect choice. For example:
- Pure Chocolate Bars
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Mint Candies
- Cookies and Brownies
- Cupcakes and Muffins
- Adhere to a Brushing Schedule
While you must insist your child always adheres to a strict brushing schedule at all times, it is all the more important to do so during Halloween season. Ask your children to brush at least twice a day to counter the lingering effects of sugar on their teeth and follow it up with flossing to avoid instances of any wedged food particles in between the teeth and braces.
- Moderation Is Key
Last but not the least, even while you take the necessary precautions to keep your children’s braces and teeth safe, remember to ensure they consume their Halloween candy in moderation to avoid getting sick.
Pro Tip – Consider giving out different types of treats as an alternative to reduce the consumption of sugar as far as possible. You can give away stickers, themed stationary, temporary tattoos and Halloween props like fake fangs or glow sticks.
That being said, in spite of all the care and precautionary measures, accidents and mishaps do occur. If you are faced with such a situation, simply call Thurman Orthodontics on + 559-439-0425 and our dental experts will ensure you get the necessary help and guidance right away!
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.