Halloween is one of the most festive times of the year. Children and parents all over the country look forward to dressing up and walking around town with nothing but a few friends, their parents, and an empty bag or container, just waiting to be filled to the brim with candy. Of course, we all know candy isn’t good for us. However, if you are someone with braces, candy poses an additional risk, which is why you must be extra careful about what you eat this year.
Braces are a wonderful thing, and in the long run, nearly everyone agrees they’re worth it. However, while you have them on, you do have certain eating restrictions. We understand that it can be a bit of a pain, especially when all you want to do is dive headfirst into the night’s haul. Fortunately, though there are several types of candy you can’t eat, there are still tasty treats you CAN eat. Read on to learn more about which Halloween candies agree (or disagree) with braces.
What candies should people with braces avoid?
Sticky candies are the absolute worst for anyone with braces. That means Twizzlers, Star Bursts, Laffy Taffy, and more are all bad for braces. Sticky foods do a number on braces. Trust us. Even Skittles, though they do not seem particularly sticky, they’re just sticky enough to cause a problem. Skittles can also slide in between wires, causing broken brackets and other problems.
Avoid hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers, if you can. Very often, people will break brackets or bend wires while trying to chew on hard candies by applying too much pressure to your braces. Though your braces are made to last, they are not invincible, so you must take good care of them.
What Halloween candies should people with braces ENJOY?
Fortunately, this Halloween is not all gloom and doom. Though again, we stress that candy is no good for you, and may cause cavities, you may still safely eat certain candies with your braces–in moderation, of course. For example, softer candies, like Hershey Kisses or Reeses are generally no problem, in terms of keeping your braces intact. Additionally, soft cookies or even chocolate-covered apple slices should be okay.
The point is, though you may be limited this Halloween, you can still enjoy yourself. Just make sure you brush your teeth after. Happy Halloween!
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
