When October rolls around it seems that candy and sugary treats are everywhere in anticipation of Halloween. The tenth month of the year also happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, 30 days devoted to learning more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and tips on how to keep your teeth healthy with braces and other appliances used to straighten teeth.
While in general, candy and teeth are not a good combination, indulging a bit is okay with proper oral care. But what can the more than four million people currently receiving orthodontic treatment safely enjoy from the trick-or-treat bag?
Check out these guidelines when you’re shopping for brace friendly candy, as well as treats to avoid.
Brace Friendly Candy to Enjoy in Limited Quantity:
Pure Chocolate. Any brand of pure, melt-in-your-mouth milk or dark chocolate is unlikely to damage braces. It’s easy to chew or let it linger on the tongue for a longer lasting treat. Look for Hershey’s bars, Hershey’s Kisses, plain M&Ms or Dove bars.
Mint Patties. York Peppermint Patties and Junior Mints are a good choice for a cool, refreshing flavor in a soft format.
Peanut Butter Cups. While nuts are bad for braces, the peanut butter in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is soft, yet still provides a nice jolt of nutty flavor.
Chocolate with Crisped Rice. Nestle Crunch bars are a good way to get a bit of crunch with the chocolate without risking damage to braces.
Soft treats. At parties, look for ice cream, smoothies or fruit such as berries or grapes to nosh on.
Tricks To Avoid:
Chewy Candies. Any candy, such as Starbursts, Skittles and Tootsie Rolls, that stick to braces are also likely to break or bend the appliances.
Caramel. Any candy that contains caramel, such as Twix bars, can get stuck in braces and pull brackets off of teeth.
Hard Candies. Candies that stay in the mouth and require sucking can adhere to braces and cause damage, not to mention long exposure to sugar on tooth enamel.
Nuts. Avoid candy bars that contain nuts, which are too hard for braces and can easily cause damage.
Licorice. Twizzlers and other licorice can get stuck in brackets and bend connective wires.
Any time you are consuming candy, it is important to brush teeth carefully to make sure you are removing all traces of sugar to prevent tooth decay. If you’re looking for a kids dentist near Joliet to schedule a cleaning after Halloween, be sure to contact Shorewood Family Dental Care today at 815-725-5991 or book an appointment online.
