Orthodontists are not big fans of traditional Easter treats. Hard, sticky, or chewy, candies with these descriptions can wreak havoc on teeth with braces. The good news is there are other sweet options to enjoy throughout the holiday.
Mara Shannon, an eHow Contributor, put together this list:
- Chocolate is soft. Just make sure teeth are brushed thoroughly after eating. Think chocolate bunnies and eggs (but definitely not chocolate with caramel).
- Baked goods like cupcakes and brownies. Make sure they remain nut free. If the sugar has you frowning, look for recipe alternatives that cut the amount of sweet stuff in half.
- Sugar-free gum. Some orthodontists recommend it for overall oral health, while others advise folks with braces to avoid all gum–period. Check with your orthodontist to see what she/he suggests.
- Non-food items. There are countless gift options that will cause absolutely no harm to braces. Gift cards, books, stickers–the list goes on and on.
If you have more than one child, be sure the alternative goodies balance out between baskets, especially if just one has braces. There’s no reason to suffer a grumpy child who might actually want stickers instead of Jolly Ranchers!