Halloween with Braces: How To Care for your Teeth

Who said Halloween with braces can’t be fun? It’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling, the fall air is getting crisp, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. That can only mean one thing – Halloween is right around the corner!

If you have braces, Halloween can be a bit of a tricky holiday. You want to enjoy all the fun that comes with trick-or-treating and eating candy. However, you also don’t want to eat anything that will damage your orthodontics. And unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine what’s right or wrong when it comes to candy. But don’t worry! We’re here to help.

In this blog post, we’ll offer tips for eating Halloween candy. We’ll also discuss which candy to avoid and why it’s important to clean your braces after eating candy.

Tips for Eating Halloween Candy with Braces

Halloween is all about indulging in sweet treats. And thankfully, you can still do that even during orthodontic treatment.

Here are some tips for enjoying Halloween candy without doing damage to your braces.

Encourage moderation

It’s okay for you or your child to have a few pieces of candy here and there, but be careful. Overeating candy can cause cavities and other dental problems. Plus, braces can worsen these issues since they provide many nooks and crannies for sugar to get stuck in.

Stick to softer candies

In general, you should avoid any candy that is sticky or chewy. These foods can damage your orthodontics and may cause discomfort. For example, gum can get stuck in braces and be difficult to remove. Taffy is also very sticky and can pull at brackets and wires. You should also avoid hard candy as it can damage brackets and wires.

Instead, opt for soft candies like chocolate bars or peanut butter cups. Chewing on hard candy can cause brackets to become loose or even break.

Tips for Cleaning Braces After Eating Candy

Brushing and flossing are important when you have braces, but it’s especially crucial after eating sugary snacks or candy.

Here are a few tips for cleaning braces after eating Halloween candy.

Rinse with water

Rinse your mouth and teeth with water immediately after eating candy. This will help remove any lingering sugar before it becomes plaque.

Brush gently

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently after eating anything with sugar. Be careful, and make sure to go around each and every bracket. Sugar causes cavities, and you don’t want to deal with cavities while you have braces if you don’t have to.

Floss daily

You must floss daily, especially if you consume candy. Since it’s more challenging to take care of your teeth when you have braces, you have to be diligent. Plaque buildup can cause your teeth to become sensitive, infected, and damaged.

Conclusion

Halloween is fun for all ages, but it can be tricky for those with braces. However, with a bit of planning and caution, you and your kids can still enjoy all the joys of Halloween. And by exercising caution, you can eat Halloween candy without causing any damage to your braces.

Remember, stick to softer candies, avoid hard and sticky sweets, and be sure to brush carefully afterward.

At Dr. Yazji’s office, we’re here if you have any questions about braces and how to take care of them. Call or contact us today to discuss Halloween with  braces.