Biscuits and gravy, peanut butter and jelly, Halloween and candy – some things in life go hand-in-hand. For people who eat candy, it’s no surprise if their intake rises each year around Halloween.
But, how do you know what is safe when it comes to Halloween candy for braces? Keep reading to learn candy consumption tips from an orthodontist in Huntington to care for braces.
What Candies Are a Problem for Braces?
First of all, your orthodontist hopes you will exercise moderation when eating candy any time of year since the sugar is problematic for your tooth enamel. Particular candies can cause big problems for people wearing braces, such as:
- Hard candy
- Chewy candy
- Jelly beans
- Licorice
- Bubble gum
- Sour candy
- Items with a candy shell – Skittles and M&M’s
What Candies Are Okay If I Wear Braces?
Options such as dark chocolate, sugar-free gum, or anything that contains the sugar substitute xylitol are not as harmful to your teeth as items in the previous section. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends some softer or melt-in-your-mouth treats like:
- Soft chocolate – Hershey’s Kisses
- Peanut butter cups
- Gelatin
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Cookies – make sure texture is on the softer side
- Kit Kat
- Three Musketeers
- Malt balls
- Peppermint Patty
- Snow Caps
What Are Tips for Eating Halloween Candy with Braces?
The biggest takeaway is that you should stay away from sticky and hard candies. Those are the varieties most likely to cause broken brackets and bent wires with your braces.
When you are eating sugary items, it’s best to drink water with them and then afterward to help wash away the food particles, since even “good” candy can cause cavities. Also, brushing your teeth after eating candy is very helpful to keep bacteria from feeding on the sugar and harming your tooth enamel.
It’s always best to be honest with your orthodontist about what candy and other items you are eating so you know if it’s safe for your braces. Maybe they will have suggestions for alternative food items that you’ll still enjoy. Ask them about your favorite candy varieties at your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka cherishes the opportunity to help children and adults alike smile brighter with the help of braces, Invisalign, and other treatment options. She earned her doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Today, she’s a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Balicka understands that her patients may have some candy at Halloween or other times during the year, but it’s about making the smart choices on the type of candy so that a patient’s orthodontics aren’t put at risk. Feel free to ask her about candy or other food items during your next appointment, since an informed patient is more likely to complete treatment successfully. You can schedule an appointment by visiting her website or calling (631) 423-7857.