Halloween probably hasn’t been “scary” for you for a very long time, but if you’re a parent, there is one thing that might still send chills up your spine concerning this holiday: your child will almost inevitably be overwhelmed with sweet treats. Halloween presents a particularly risky time for children with braces because so many kinds of candy can easily dislodge brackets or become stuck in wires. So, what are the safest types of candy to eat with braces? A local orthodontist is happy to help by sharing the list below.
Chocolate
Chocolate is the ideal braces-friendly treat because it is soft enough to be chewed easily without damaging brackets or wires, and it melts quickly, so it won’t linger on the teeth for hours afterward. The key thing to avoid is chocolate candy with nuts or hard toffee mixed in, as these can present potential problems.
Cookies & Brownies
While these foods aren’t usually considered to be Halloween-specific treats, they are still deliciously sweet, and they are nice and soft and present no danger to braces. If a cookie or brownie seems a little hard, no worries—you can just have your child dip it in milk before taking a bite.
Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate and peanut butter is a winning combination, as is peanut butter cups and braces! Unlike sticky candies, these don’t get caught in the brackets and wires, which can end up exposing your child’s teeth to sugar for hours after they have eaten the treat. These taste great and then can be easily rinsed out of the mouth with water.
Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter M&Ms
M&Ms are ubiquitous this time of year, and the two varieties a child with braces should keep an eye out for are Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter. Unfortunately, peanut M&Ms can be a bit risky, and caramel ones can easily end up being a sticky mess, but the previously mentioned types are yummy and orthodontist-approved!
Your child is guaranteed to encounter candies that could potentially harm their braces this Halloween season, so be sure to tell them to not eat anything until you give them the thumbs up. You can either have braces-friendly items on hand so you can trade them for more problematic treats, or you can set up a candy exchange with their friends so the process is more fun for everyone.
The key thing to remember is that braces shouldn’t prevent your child from enjoying themselves this Halloween, but a little caution will ensure they make it through the holiday without disrupting their path toward a straight smile.
About the Author
Dr. David W. Cordes received his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Enfield, CT community for several years. His practice offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic services that are certain to help you and your loved ones achieve straighter and healthier smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact his practice online or over the phone for additional information at (860) 749-1909.