Tips To An Orthodontic Braces Friendly Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults alike. However, it can wreak havoc on our dental health. We are exposed to candy and sweets for weeks on end. This can a bigger problem for those undergoing orthodontic braces treatment. Orthodontic braces treatment will generally limit certain foods to maintain the brackets and wires that are a part of orthodontic braces treatment. Some candies can be especially hard on the orthodontic hardware. These can lead to costly dental repairs. Below are some tips to help you and your family navigate the Halloween season.
Orthodontic Braces Tips For Halloween
–Avoid Hard And Sticky Candies. When undergoing orthodontic braces treatment it is best to forego these types of candies as you will at increased risk for damage to orthodontic hardware. Some of the biggest offenders include bubble gum, gummy snacks, jelly beans, licorice, and popcorn.
–Choose treats Wisely. Certain candies/treats are acceptable during orthodontic braces treatment. These items will likely cause less problems to orthodontic braces when consumed. These can include: chips, cheese puffs, yogurt raisins, plain m&m’s, Hershey chocolate bars, peppermint patties, and soft cookies. Avoid candy with nuts or caramel.
–Eat Before You Indulge. When trick or treating on a full stomach you will be less likely to make poor choices and damage orthodontic braces.
–Trade With Friends. Encourage kids (and Adults) to trade the candies they should not eat for candies that are better for them to eat. This again will limit the chance of breaking any of the orthodontic braces hardware.
–Drink More Water. Drinking water will help neutralize the acids that will develop as the bacteria in the mouth feeds on the sugars introduced by Halloween candies.
–Timing. Consume Halloween candy with meals or shortly after mealtime. Then brush and floss immediately afterwards.
-Sugar free lollipops and sugar free hard candies. Products containing sorbitol (or any other sugar alcohol) can actually help prevent cavities. The plaque bacteria can not grow properly with these sugar alcohols present. The sugar free candies also help you to produce more saliva which in turn helps neutralize sugar acids and decrease the chances of decay.
–Brush And Floss. Make sure to brush and floss after indulging in Halloween candy. Allowing the sugars and sticky candies to stay on our teeth for hours on end can lead to increased tooth decay.
-Eat the candy only once per day. If you only partake in the sweet snacks once during the day after a meal you will decrease the length of time the harmful sugars are present. Snacking on small amounts of candy all day causes more decay than larger amounts once per day. You are more likely to clean all the debris off the teeth after a one time sitting you are if you snack all day. The small doses of sugar stuck between the teeth from random snacking is much more detrimental.
–Buy Backup Candy In Advance. Have backup candy on hand. If your kids get candy they cannot eat they wont be upset if you have candy alternates on hand for them.
–See Your Dentist If Any Issues Arise. If any damage is noticed to orthodontic braces see your dentist or orthodontist immediately. Also maintain regular dental appointments to avoid long term tooth decay issues.
Orthodontic Braces At Halloween Conclusion
Halloween can and should be an enjoyable time free from worry and stress about dental health and orthodontic braces. Following the Halloween tips for orthodontic braces above can go along way towards that goal. Remember to maintain good dental habits and dental visits for a happy, healthy smile for life.