It’s almost Halloween, which means the streets will be filled with trick-or-treaters of all ages. Just like many dentists who discourage children from eating too much candy, orthodontists also want patients with braces to be mindful of which candies to eat and which to avoid. Before letting your child dig into their holiday loot, find out which spooky treats are safest for brackets and wires.
Which Halloween Candy is Safe for Braces?
Just because your child wears braces doesn’t mean they have to miss out on trick-or-treating fun. While certain candies are best avoided while wearing brackets and wires, there are plenty of others that they can enjoy, such as:
- Nut-free chocolate bars
- Mini cheese crackers
- Nut-free cookies
- Plain M&Ms
- Soft chocolate bars
- KitKat bars
- Reese’s cups or pieces
Which Halloween Treats Should Be Avoided with Braces?
If any of the following candies end up in your child’s treat bag, make sure they do not sneak a piece. Trying to eat any of these items can cause potential damage:
- Sticky candies, like caramel, toffee, taffy, etc.
- Chewy candies, like Starburst, Skittles, Mike & Ikes, etc.
- Hard candies, like Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Lemonheads, etc.
- Candy apples
- Candy that contains nuts, like Snickers or peanut M&Ms
- Chewing gum
How to Protect Your Child’s Smile During Halloween
No matter how much candy your child consumes on Halloween (and the days following), it is essential that they stay on top of their oral hygiene routine. They should continue to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, floss between teeth at least once before going to bed each day, and rinse with an appropriate mouthwash to flush out any remaining debris.
As a parent, it’s best to limit candy consumption. Instead, keep their plates and tummies full of healthy, nutritious foods. If they want a treat, have them eat it as part of their meal so that it does not stay on their teeth any longer than necessary.
Instead of letting your child’s smile be the scariest thing this Halloween, protect it by allowing them to enjoy the many orthodontist-approved candies.
About the Author
Dr. David W. Cordes is a trusted orthodontist with over two decades of experience shifting and realigning smiles. Offering traditional braces to patients with crooked, crowded, gapped teeth and misaligned bites, he closely monitors the progression of each case, ensuring timely and successful results. If you have a child who wears braces and is preparing to participate in Halloween festivities, visit our website or call (413) 562-8100 to learn which sweet treats are safe for them to eat.