Halloween is right around the corner, and with it comes candy and sweets that aren’t always braces-friendly. If you’re new to wearing braces, it can be frustrating not being able to dine on your favorite snacks. Fortunately, you can still have a great holiday, braces or not. Here are some snack suggestions, as well as tips on how to keep your braces in top quality, over the course of the next few months!
Candy to avoid
First, let’s take a refresher course on candy that you’ll want to avoid. Anything that’s hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy is unfortunately something that you’ll want to stay away from. Sticky and chewy treats easily get stuck in the wiring that makes up your braces, and crunchy or hard candies can cause your brackets to chip, or break off completely. Although it isn’t recommended, if you can make sure you will only suck (and not chew) hard candies, you can probably get away with having a lollipop or jolly rancher. Think the temptation to bite down into a solid treat might be too much? Do yourself a favor, and eat something else!
Braces-friendly candy
Are you a chocolate lover? Then you’re in luck! Anything that’s chocolate (minus candies with a caramel filling) are safe to eat. Kit Kat Bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and 3 Musketeers bars are all given the green light as well. Are you a fan of powder-based candies like FunDip or Smarties? Those are okay too! Just be careful to chew them and not swallow them whole.
Create a holiday regimen
Halloween officially kicks off the holiday season, and while Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t as candy-centric, there are still a lot of rich foods that you’ll be eating over the course of the next few months. Because of this, it’s important to come up with a regular brushing and flossing routine after every meal. Since braces are hard to navigate around, it can be easier to get cavities or gingivitis. After every snack or meal, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth, floss and then finish by rinsing out your mouth with mouthwash. Also, try your best to drink water throughout the day. Pushing fluids will help keep large pieces of food from sticking to your brackets or braces wiring. Find your mouth getting dry? Find a gum that is sugar free, or uses xylitol. These gums won’t stick to your braces, and they’ll increase your saliva flow.
If you were worried about the fun being sucked from Halloween, we hope this article has lifted your spirits, and given you some ideas on what you can, and can’t enjoy! Happy Halloween!