Halloween is around the corner, and with it comes the challenge of balancing sweet treats with orthodontic care. Whether you or someone in your family has adult braces or a child adjusting to life with brackets or maybe fixed retainers, it’s possible to enjoy the festivities while protecting orthodontic progress. These trick-or-treating tips for orthodontic treatment from Saddle Creek Orthodontics will help you keep the whole family safely smiling without missing out on the fun.
Treats That Are Actually Tricks With Braces
We know Halloween is all about filling a pumpkin bucket with goodies (or, if you’re an adult or your family does not trick or treat, chowing down on discounted candy the day after Halloween), but if you or your young ones are wearing braces, some treats are better left alone. In fact, they can actually give you or your child a good fright when they break a bracket or bend a wire!
To keep orthodontic treatment on track and avoid any unexpected trips to see us, here are some candies you or your child should definitely skip or trade:
- Hard Candies: Think lollipops, jawbreakers, peppermints, candy apples, Jolly Ranchers, and candy canes. Biting down on these can put serious pressure on braces, leading to cracked or broken brackets and wires. Licking or sucking them is technically okay, but we suggest avoiding them all together. Counting on ignoring the temptation to bite is not worth the risk of avoidable pain or inconvenience.
- Sticky Sweets: Caramel, taffy, and gummy bears may be delicious, but they’re bad news for braces. These sticky treats can cling to brackets and wires, making it challenging to thoroughly clean teeth, gums, and braces. If left behind, there is an increased chance of cavities and other problems that could derail treatment and jeopardize oral health.
- Chewy Candies: Starbursts, licorice, and jelly beans are fun to eat, but, like sticky treats, they can easily get lodged in braces. They’re also known for pulling at brackets and bending wires, which means potentially longer treatment or additional appointments that disrupt the schedule.
- Popcorn & Nuts: These non-candy snacks are Halloween staples, but they’re a no-go for braces. Popcorn kernels can get stuck in hard-to-reach places, and nuts can easily displace a bracket.
Click here to learn more about foods to avoid with braces.
Braces-Friendly Treats
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—what braces patients can enjoy! Fortunately, rocking braces doesn’t mean missing out on all the Halloween fun. There are plenty of delicious, braces-friendly treats that won’t wreak havoc on orthodontic hardware:
- Soft Chocolates: Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Opt for melt-in-your-mouth options like Hershey’s bars, peanut butter cups, or milk chocolate without nuts or caramel. These are easy on braces and less likely to cause damage.
- Soft Cookies & Brownies: Got a sweet tooth for baked goods? Go for soft cookies or brownies. They’re a great alternative to crunchy snacks and super easy on teeth and braces.
- Pudding Cups & Applesauce: Not all treats need to be candy! Try including applesauce or pudding cups in the Halloween stash. They’re a fun, sweet option everyone can enjoy, regardless of whether or not they have metal braces, clear braces, or a fixed retainer.
By keeping a close eye on the holiday treats, Saddle Creek Orthodontics patients of all ages can keep their smiles safe and taste buds happy this Halloween.
Plan Ahead: Bring Your Own Halloween Goodies
Fall is an exciting time for both kids and adults, but if you or your child is in orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid any candy-related mishaps or left-out feelings. A little preparation can ensure everyone enjoys the season without compromising their treatment.
Instead of depending on whatever ends up in the trick-or-treat bag or office party candy potluck, plan to bring a selection of safe treats. Having a braces-safe stash handy means you and/or your child can have a stress-free, relaxing time without worrying about damage to an orthodontic appliance from any hard, sticky, or chewy candies.
Limit Your Candy & Protect Your Smile
We know it’s tempting to dive into all those sugary treats at once, but it’s important to pace when wearing braces. Even if only braces-friendly treats are eaten, and a broken bracket isn’t a possibility, orthodontic patients still need to protect themselves from tooth decay, gum inflammation, gum disease, discoloration, and other teeth and gum health concerns, which can more likely with overconsumption of sugary delights.
Also, after enjoying treats, don’t forget to brush and floss carefully. Tools like thread flossers, water flossers, and electric toothbrushes can make the process easy, quick, and effective.
What To Do If A Bracket Or Wire Breaks
If your child came home with broken braces because their friend convinced them that one laffy taffy wouldn’t hurt anything, or if you accidentally broke your braces on a peanut M&M because you weren’t paying attention, we encourage you not to panic! Everything is fixable. Call us as soon as possible to make a repair appointment. Here are some tips to help keep you comfortable until they’re made good as new by Dr. Kyle or Dr. John:
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax over any sharp edges or poking wires to protect the gums and cheeks from cuts, pinching, and mouth sores. It can also stabilize loose brackets.
- Gently Adjust Wires: If a wire is sticking out, carefully push it back into place using the end of a clean pencil eraser.
- Don’t Remove or Replace Loose Brackets: Braces are fixed to the teeth using special orthodontic glue. Attempting to remove or replace brackets at home can cause further damage.
- Eat Soft Food: Stick to soft foods like noodles, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies to avoid further irritation or damage until the braces can be fixed.
Note For Clear Aligners & Retainers: If you or your teen lose a clear aligner or retainer on Halloween, call us ASAP for the next steps.
Click here to learn more about orthodontic emergencies.
Have Fun This Halloween!
Enjoying Halloween candy is possible without risking your braces, and if you need help or have any questions, Saddle Creek Orthodontics is here for you! Our Germantown and Collierville, TN offices are always ready to support you or your child throughout orthodontic treatment—even on special occasions like Halloween.
Are you, your child, or your teen dressing up as an iconic braces character, like Eliza Thornberry from The Wild Thornberrys or Darla from Finding Nemo, for Halloween? Tag us in a photo showing off your look on Instagram or Facebook! We love seeing people embrace their treatment.