Halloween Candy with Braces

Every year, people of all ages enjoy the Halloween holiday. It is one of the few days of the year where people actually get a pass for eating their fill of sugary sweets. However, gorging on too much can have a few setbacks -- especially if you wear braces. According the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can still eat candy if you wear braces. However, there are a few tips you should follow to keep from damaging your braces and putting your orthodontic health at risk.

What Candies Should I Avoid If I Wear Braces?

Eating candy is okay, but it's the type of candy that don't get along with braces. If your braces get broken, you will obviously have to get them repaired, which is a headache within itself. So keep it simple. Avoid the following types of overly sticky candies:

• Chewy carmel, taffy, jellybeans, and bubblegum
• Hard crunchy candy, suckers, licorice
• Popcorn, nuts, granola type snacks

Once chewy candies like caramel and jellybeans get into your braces, they can wreak havoc. Once it gets imbedded into the braces, you will have a heck of a time getting it out. The same goes with hard candy. You have a good chance of breaking the brackets on your braces when you bite down. So its best to stick to melt in your mouth favorites like:

Chocolates that are free of nuts

• Peanut butter cups
• Marshmallows
• Soft cookies
• Kool-Aid straws

These types of candies are soft, melt down quickly, and have a very low chance of harming you braces. Keep in mind that a sugary buildup around your braces can also bring about gum disease or cavities. So follow the required dental protocol to keep the decay away and promote healthy gums:

• Change to an electric toothbrush to get even more plaque and residue than a manual type
• Be sure to floss on a daily basis to remove whatever your toothbrush didn't get
• Use an oral rinse to keep your enamel strong and rid your mouth of bacteria.

So, if you wear braces and want to treat yourself to a bit of candy on Halloween, it's okay. Just be careful and follow the protocols as outlined and you will maintain great oral health. If you have any questions, call your orthodontist.