Halloween Fun While Protecting Your Braces

Are you ready for Halloween? We thought we’d start off with some fun Halloween trivia.

Where did Jack O’ Lanterns come from?

The practice of decorating Jack O’ Lanterns dates back to the 1800s in Ireland. The people there have a fable about a stingy man named Jack who cheated the devil twice. He was not allowed in heaven when he died, and the devil wouldn’t let him in hell either. So, Jack was sent off into the night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. You can read more about “Stingy Jack” at History.Com.

Is pumpkin a vegetable or fruit?

A pumpkin is a fruit because it has seeds.

Why are the colors for Halloween orange and black?

Orange represents fall and the harvest, and black represents night or darkness.

Where did the word Halloween come from?

Halloween came from the words “All Hallows Eve.” It is the evening before “All Saints Day” – a day for remembering saints and paying respects to departed loved ones. This tradition merged with an ancient festival of the Celts (people of ancient Britain and Ireland). The Celts celebrated the beginning of winter. They believed the souls of those who had died returned to visit their homes. They also thought those who had died during the year journeyed to the otherworld. And thus, we have Halloween!

Now for Some Tips on Halloween Candy with Braces

There are so many candies for Halloween it can be hard to know which ones you can eat and which ones you should avoid when you have braces. Hard and sticky sweets and food can cause stress to your teeth. Also, there is a good chance your bracket or band attachment can break or pop off. So we are providing a list of some candies to avoid and candies and food you can enjoy while wearing braces.

Candies and Food to Avoid

• Hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Brach’s hard candies, Life Savers.
• Chewy candies such as Starburst, Swedish Fish, Skittles, Brach’s chewy candies
• Caramels
• Licorice
• Jelly beans
• Taffy
• Bubblegum
• Hard pretzels
• Popcorn
• Popcorn balls

Candies and Food You Can Enjoy

• Soft chocolate such as Hershey’s kisses or Hershey’s bars
• Peanut butter cups
• Candy Corn
• Cotton Candy
• Cup Cakes
• Cookies (without nuts)
• Donuts
• Pie
• Gelatin treats
• Ice cream
• Smoothies
• Root beer floats
• Apple cider

Tips for Parents

1. Some parents let their kids trade their candy for money or a toy. This way, they don’t feel left out of the fun. For example, you can help your child pick out all the candies they can eat. Then, work out a fair money exchange for the ones they can’t eat or take them shopping for a toy.
2. Make your own treats, so plenty of things are available for your child with braces to eat.
3. Let your kids have their Halloween fun but don’t forget to have them brush and floss after they eat their treats!

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need to schedule a visit.

Happy Haunting!

Dr. Tripp Cobb
Cobb Orthodontics