Tips For Eating Halloween Candy With Braces

Tips for Eating Halloween Candy with Braces

October is a month for trick-or-treats and candy, but eating Halloween candy with braces is tricky. There are many candies to avoid during orthodontic treatment. In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, we’ve put together some tips on Halloween treats that are okay and not okay to eat if you have braces.

Eating Halloween candy with braces may cause broken appliances, prolong your treatment time, or lead to other oral health problems. The general rule is: don’t eat anything hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy. Sugary foods are bad for your teeth and should be avoided as much as possible, especially during orthodontic treatment. However, you don’t have to miss out on all Halloween treats just because you have braces! Here are some specific tips on what to avoid and what not to avoid when it comes to eating Halloween candy with braces.

Do not eat the following foods and candies:

• Caramel and candy apples
• Candy corn
• Licorice and taffy
• Bubblegum
• Lollipops and jawbreakers
• Skittles
• Starbursts
• Tootsie Rolls
• Popcorn

The following foods are okay to eat in moderation:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Hershey’s Bars
• Soft chocolates (the kind that melt in your mouth)
• Ice cream or milkshakes
• Peeled, thinly-sliced apples drizzled or dipped in a sauce

Always rinse and brush your teeth thoroughly after any snacking.