Halloween Candy to Avoid If You Have Braces

It’s important to treat your braces with care in order for your treatment to go smoothly and to avoid problems in the long run. Halloween is a fun holiday that comes with an excuse to indulge in some candy––what more could you want? However, it’s important to keep in mind that with braces, some candies should be avoided. If you are a parent and your child has braces, make sure to supervise any candy eating and remind children that some candies are off-limits.

Most of us already know that sugar is bad for our teeth, but some might not know that certain kinds of candies pose an extra risk to those with braces. For example, chewy treats such as M&Ms and Skittles can break the brackets of one’s braces. Additionally, caramels are prone to get stuck in your braces. Hard candies are fine to suck on but should not be bitten.

Halloween candies are not made with dental health in mind. They contain high amounts of sugar, as well as artificial colors and flavors. Many of us choose to indulge in them anyway, but if you have braces, it’s important to be aware of the risks of certain candies. Sugary candy that gets stuck in your braces will leave you prone to cavities. Many of these candies don’t easily dissolve in the mouth. Instead, they stick to the teeth or get stuck underneath the wires or around the brackets of braces.

The good news is that you can still enjoy trick or treating if you become a little selective about what you’re eating after. Even though all candies look the same, their manufacturing properties aren’t. If you’re wearing braces and you choose to go with sticky, chewy, or hard candies, it may cause pain or even damage to your braces. The best choice for you is to go with softer candies that can easily be chewed and dissolved inside the mouth. If you have the option to go with sugar-free candies.

If you don’t want to suffer from broken brackets or bent wires, you can choose other sweet treats, such as ice cream, peppermint patties, softer chocolate bars, milkshakes, and gelatin treats. Cookies and cream are also approved for people with braces by the American Association of Orthodontists. 

If you are a concerned parent and still want your children to enjoy the Halloween season, all you have to do is supervise their candy supply.

If you have any other questions about which sweet treats are okay to eat, please reach out to us. Also, schedule an appointment at Pearly Whites Dental today to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is right on track!