Tips for a Braces-Friendly Halloween

Halloween Candy Can Damage Braces
Halloween is upon us and those of us with braces, who intend on joining in on the festivities, have a couple of precautions to consider. In order to prevent an early trip to the orthodontist, know what candy is safe to eat, and what candy to stay away from.

Candy to Avoid:
Stay away from hard candies because they can damage braces by popping off brackets or even breaking a wire. Not only will this hit your pocketbook but it could also cause injury from sharp wires and loose brackets inside your mouth.
Candies to avoid are: Jolly Ranchers, Gob Stoppers, popcorn, candy apples, caramel apples, chewy candy, jelly beans, caramel, sour candy, nuts, and taffy. Anything with the consistency of these, pose a potential threat of compromising the integrity of your braces.

Candy That is Safe:
Softer candies like chocolate, peanut butter cups, marshmallows, 3 Musketeers, soft-baked cookies, and any of the melt-in-your mouth varieties tend to be less likely to cause damage to braces hardware.

Tips to Not Let Braces Spoil the Halloween Fun:
Prepare ahead of time by partnering with a friend who doesn’t have braces, and agree to share and trade out candy at the end of the night. You can also prepare homemade treats that are safe like cupcakes or soft-baked cookies.

Remember to Floss and Brush Well
When the night is over, prioritize flossing and brushing before bed. Sugar is a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to tooth decay and calcification stains. Consider all of the nooks and crannies where residue of candy may still be lurking in and around the braces and on your teeth.

You don’t have to lose out on any of the fun this Halloween just because you have to make some compromises. By preparing ahead of time, you can rest assured that there won’t be any surprises that could land you in the orthodontists chair earlier than planned.

Have questions about…Call us at  (210) 877-2273 today and we would be happy to go over the process and options, as well as see if this is the right option for you!