Halloween "Treats" for your Orthodontic Appliances

 

Have a Happy Halloween, but also remember not to trick your orthodontic appliances.  Here are a few treats we hope you'll remember:

1.      Avoid sticky situations with your braces and aligners. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind), jelly beans and soft drinks.

 

2.      Say “boo” to hard treats ~ including hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).  And whether in orthodontic treatment or not please don't chew ice.

 

3.      Brush up! Sweets can cause cavities, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods and carbonated beverages.

 

4.      Spooktacular news: Not all Halloween candy is off-limits.  Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. The American Association of Orthodontists even offers orthodontic-friendly recipes for Halloween on its website.

 

5.      Make a commitment to oral health. Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success – and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break braces.

 

“It’s okay for orthodontic patients to enjoy some treats at Halloween,” say Dr. Jonathan Panichella and Dr. Danielle Panichella.  “We want everyone to have fun on Halloween.  At the same time, we encourage patients to enjoy acceptable treats in moderation, and take that extra couple of minutes to brush and floss.  When orthodontic treatment is complete, and patients see their healthy and beautiful new smiles in the mirror, they will know all of their efforts were worthwhile.” 

 

For more information about orthodontic treatment, please visit our website at www.BeautifulSmiles.me