It’s October, and you know what that means – the weather’s getting cooler, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and Halloween is just around the corner. But you might not know that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month, and it’s not just about pumpkin-flavored everything. We’ll cover candies you can eat for Halloween and how to keep your teeth healthy while wearing braces. Embrace Halloween and your smile with tips from Cobb Orthodontics.
How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Halloween.
Yep, even with braces, you can still enjoy some Halloween candy. But hold up, before you dive headfirst into your candy stash, there are a few things you need to know to keep your braces in check. Broken brackets are no fun and can make your time in braces last longer. So, avoid these candy troublemakers:
- Caramels
- Gum
- Licorice
- Taffy
- Hard Candy
- Popcorn
- Jellybeans
- Suckers
- Nuts
And it’s not just candy you need to be mindful of. Sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks can also mess with your braces and teeth. They can leave behind those not-so-cool white marks on your teeth called decalcification. You can read more about that here.
But don’t worry; you don’t have to skip the treats altogether. You can still enjoy some delicious goodies that won’t give your braces a hard time:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Reese’s Pieces
- Kit Kats
- M&M’s (no nuts)
- 3 Musketeers
- Peppermint Patties
- Milky Ways
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Chocolate Bars (without nuts)
Other sweets you can enjoy on Halloween include ice cream, milkshakes, soft cookies, and cupcakes.
Your Checklist for Orthodontic Success:
We don’t want to spoil sports, but here’s the deal: overdoing it on Halloween candy and sweets can lead to more than just a sugar rush. Sugary snacks can hang around your braces, potentially causing cavities or gum issues. So, make sure to take care of your smile by following these steps:
- Brush for Two Minutes, Five Times Daily: That may seem like a lot but when you have braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene for a healthy smile and successful treatment. We recommend brushing your teeth five times a day, spending two minutes each time. Make sure to brush after breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and before bedtime. This routine will help keep your braces clean and ensure they can work effectively, so you can achieve your best smile. If you ever have questions or need guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Use a Water Pick: A water pick is a fantastic tool we highly recommend for our brace’s patients. It is great at reaching between your teeth, around the braces, and massaging your gums effectively. It’s a game-changer for your oral hygiene during treatment, ensuring a healthier smile.
- Floss Daily: Yeah, it’s not the most exciting thing, but it’s important to remove leftover gunk from your braces.
- Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash: It’s not just for fresh breath; it strengthens your enamel and fights off bacteria.
- Follow Your Orthodontist’s Advice: Dr. Tripp is an expert and can help you achieve that perfect smile in the expected time if you follow his advice. So, listen to him carefully, and don’t be shy about asking questions!
Last Thoughts for Halloween
While enjoying the awesome things that come with October, take a moment to appreciate your unique, incredible smile. Cobb Orthodontics is here to ensure your orthodontic journey is smooth so you can keep rocking that fantastic smile while enjoying all the Halloween fun. So, go ahead, enjoy braces-friendly treats, and remember to keep up with your oral care routine. Your smile will thank you!
Spooky Halloween Recipes
If you’re planning a party or just want some spooky, braces friendly fun foods, check out recipes from delish. There are lots of food and dessert braces-friendly recipes.
Halloween trivia question:
How did the tradition of wearing masks and passing out candy start?
The tradition originated as a way for people to hide from the returning spirits they believed came out on Halloween. Some people wore masks when they left home after dark to make the ghosts think they were fellow spirits. They would also place bowls of food outside their homes to keep the ghosts happy and out of their homes.
Happy haunting!
Your Friendly Team
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