An Orthodontist’s Guide to Navigating Halloween Candy with Braces

1. Sticky Candies

Marshmallows, toffees, and chewing gum are among the “sticky” candies that may become stuck in braces and require special cleaning. They could pull on brackets and wires, which commonly results in damage to the orthodontic appliances. These candies may lead to orthodontic emergency visits should you eat them, and this leads to extensions of your treatment duration.

2. Hard Candies

Sticky confectionery, including jawbreakers and lollipops, is particularly dangerous for the brackets and the wires. As a result, this can cause an elongation of the treatment period and increase the possibility of repair work being needed.

3. Sour Candies

Due to their high level of acidity, all sour candies are potentially hazardous because they affect the enamel. Sour candies are bad, especially if they are of high quality, as they are acidic and begin to dissolve enamel. Although they do not seem to be rather dangerous, they can add extra pressure to our teeth and even contribute to tooth decay around the brackets.

4. Chew Candies

Similar to sticky sweets, chewy candies are a problem since they become fixated on the braces and difficult to brush off. Some examples of these candies are fruit leather and some chocolates, like caramel-filled chocolates.

1. Homemade Treats

Why not attempt to make your own Halloween sweets? The recipe lets you prepare softer cookies or other pastries for consumption, which would not be a problem for the braces.

Here are a couple of ideas:

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Tender and delicious, these are not an issue when it comes to braces.
• Rice Krispie Treats: A standard Halloween treat that you can enjoy in many different flavors and is not harmful to the braces if consumed in moderate quantities.

2. Fruits and Veggies

Not only are fruits and veggies better for you, but eating them may be more entertaining! Prepare a Halloween fruit basket with fruits dressed up as ghosts or monsters. Consider:

• Peanut butter apple slices (peeled).
• Vegetable sticks, which can be celery sticks dipped in chocolate.

3. Non-Candy Treats

Think about giving out or asking for non-candy items, such as:

• Stickers
• Temporary tattoos
• Small toys

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping up a regular dental hygiene routine is more important than ever. Any remaining candy particles stuck in your braces can be dissolved with frequent brushing and flossing. If you want to celebrate Halloween away from home, bring along a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste.

2. Use Toothpaste

For the best dental protection when consuming candy with braces, use fluoride toothpaste.

3. Stay Hydrated

After consuming candies, drink plenty of water to help wash away any leftover food particles and sugar that may have covered your teeth and the braces.

4. Cut or Break Candy into Smaller Pieces

Every time you feel like indulging in a stickier or chewier candy, it is best to chop that into little pieces. Cutting it down can reduce the chances that it may get stuck in your braces and is easier to clean afterward.

5. Check your Braces

After you have eaten all your candy this Halloween, examine your braces thoroughly. Check the wiring or brackets for an indication of looseness or damage. If you see any complications, contact your orthodontist for consultation or repair.

6. The Key is Moderation

It is desirable to overeat all the Halloween foods if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Chew more on the safer candies and less on those that seem to have the ability to break the braces that you’re wearing.

1. Determine the Extent of Damage

Check if a bracket is leaning or if a wire has slipped and formed a hook. If you feel overall oral soreness and the situation is not severe, try to adjust the wire carefully with the help of tweezers.

2. Make an Appointment With Your Orthodontist

Whether you believe there is a problem with your brackets, wires, or any other issue, you should not hesitate to contact your orthodontist’s office. They will guide you over the phone, and in case of an emergency, they may plan your visit to the clinic.

3. Relief of Pain

If a cold sensation arises from a bracket or snapped wire, then pain can be minimized by prescribed over-the-counter medicines. It is also advisable to consult with a doctor if the problem persists.