Dental Health Articles: Don’t let Halloween be a Nightmare for your Adolescent

With Halloween often comes pillow cases full of sticky, gummy candy. But aside from the dental dangers sugary candy can pose for your children, it’s important to remember the special considerations needed for your kids who wear braces.

Despite the temptation to let them eat everything in sight for this special holiday, encourage your child to follow these tips from the American Association of Orthodontists. The association recommends that people with braces avoid eating the following Halloween foods:

• Hard candies
• Hard pretzels
• Chewy candies
• Bubblegum
• Caramel
• Popcorn (and unpopped kernels)
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Sticky candies, like Milk Duds
• Jelly Beans
• Crunchy foods or candies

Even though this list may seem a little daunting, remember that it’s still OK for people with braces to consume treats like plain chocolate candy, sliced apples dipped in chocolate or cream, and melt-in-your-mouth candy like peanut butter cups.

It is definitely possible to still have fun and enjoy Halloween without compromising orthodontic safety! Make sure you approach your dental plan dentist or orthodontist with any questions you may have about braces-safe food during Halloween or any other time. Happy trick-or-treating!

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