Halloween is around the corner which means lots of Halloween candy! While there are treats that can be enjoyed by braces and retainer wearers there are others that are better off avoided!
Candies that are gummy and chewy can stick to your braces and brackets and be nearly impossible to remove. Gummy and chewy, as well as hard candies can even break brackets and wires. Some key candies you are better off avoiding are gummy bears, caramels, taffy, licorice, bubble gum, candy corn, Jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers and similar candies.
Often chocolate treats are better choices for those with orthodontic appliances. Peanut butter cups, chocolate candy bars and chocolate covered pretzels are all relatively soft and will be easier on your braces.
If you do eat something that results in a bracket or wire breaking, call us as soon as you can so we can get you into the office to repair the damage. Your treatment is not effective with broken or damaged parts.
Remember all candies contain a lot of sugar. If you do indulge in a treat it is important that you brush and floss your teeth afterwards. While this is important for non-braces wearers also, it is essential for those with braces. You have a lot of extra spaces for sugar and candy to get trapped and cause tooth decay. Brush your teeth and use the flossers made for braces to ensure you remove all the sugar from your teeth.
Do you want to trick or treat with your friends, but skip eating the candy? Reagin Orthodontics will host their annual Halloween Candy Buyback again this year. Watch the our blog and Facebook for details and information about a new surprise for those who participate!