Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month?
Ironic, since the weeks following Halloween typically have an unusually high number of orthodontic emergency visits. I bet you can guess why… CANDY!
For general dental health, no one should overdo sugary treats; but Halloween seems particularly tricky to those with braces. Certain types of CANDY can wreak havoc on braces, orthodontic appliances and retainer wires.
Now, this doesn’t mean we want to suck all the fun out of Halloween, but there are some good tips and guidelines to help us all stay in the Halloween spirit:
Treats to Avoid:
Sticky/ chewy treats: ex: taffy, caramels, gummies, gum. These can get stuck in braces, and actually pull them off.
Hard/ crunchy treats: ex: lollipops, hard candy, chocolate with nuts, popcorn, jawbreakers. These crunchers can break off braces and break wires.
Braces-Friendly Treats:
- Soft chocolates (Hershey’s, Kit Kats, plain M&Ms, marshmallow treats, 3 Muskateers, etc…)
- Peanut butter cups
- Most chips
Offer Candy Alternatives: While some may not want to hand out toothbrushes instead of candy (!), other great candy-alternatives include: stickers, temporary tattoos, plastic spiders/fangs, glow sticks or bubbles
Keep Up Excellent Oral Hygiene: Even the braces-friendly treats are full of sugar that can be damaging to your teeth if not properly clean away. Remember to brush and floss well after enjoying your treats to reduce the chances of cavities down the road.
Consider a time-limit: One way to limit to over-consumption of Halloween treats is to reduce the time frame when the treats are allowed. Consider allowing treats once a day, when it is convenient to brush right afterwards. Or consider instituting an “end-date”, when all unconsumed treats will be donated.
Halloween is a fun time for everyone! Make yours Spooktacular with these helpful tips!
Dr. Shari Borsuk is a board-certified orthodontist owning and operating Ottawa West Orthodontics. For information, please call 613-820-2660 or visit www.ottawawestorthodontics.com or check them out on Facebook.
