If your child is a fan of Halloween, they’re probably excited that this spooky holiday is right around the corner! That said, if they wear braces, they may also be wondering if they’ll still be able to trick-or-treat and enjoy all of their favorite sweets this year. The good news is that they still can, as long as you help them show a little caution. Here’s a closer look at some of the best orthodontic-friendly Halloween candies out there, along with a few that should be avoided altogether.
Braces-Friendly Candy to Look For
The best candy choices for braces tend to be soft, smooth, and easy-to-chew items, as well as ones that dissolve relatively quickly. Some great options include:
- Plain chocolate bars without any nuts or candy bits
- Peanut butter cups
- Peppermint patties
- Soft, fluffy marshmallow-based treats
- Malted milk balls
It’s also worth remembering that not all Halloween goodies are candy! Stickers, spooky pencils, bouncy balls, glow sticks, bubbles, coloring books, fidget toys, and all kinds of other small knickknacks and gifts can bring a smile to your child’s face too, without threatening harm to their braces.
Candy That Should Be Skipped During Orthodontic Treatment
There are a lot of different types of candy out there, and while your child might have favorites, there are still some items that should be completely avoided, as they might harm braces or other orthodontic appliances. This includes:
- Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and lollipops, which can crack brackets or bend wires in addition to chipping enamel.
- Sticky and chewy treats like taffy, caramels, Milk Duds, Starburst, and Tootsie Rolls, which can pull on the braces and cling to teeth.
- Crunchy candies, like nut-filled bars, popcorn balls, and caramel apples, are also risky.
The bottom line is, braces don’t have to put a damper on Halloween, as long as you help your child choose soft, smooth treats—and as long as they keep up with their oral hygiene.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has served the needs of families in Nashua and the nearby communities for several years. With a wide range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services available, children of all ages can get the gentle, personalized care their smiles need to thrive. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, you can call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.