Many of our patients here at Bryan Orthodontics in Hamburg PA, Allentown PA, Auburn PA, Shoemakersville PA, Port Clinton PA, as well as the surrounding Berks County PA area, are surprised to learn that October is National Orthodontic Health Month! What about Halloween? Halloween is still October 31st according to our calendar, but the juxtaposition of Halloween and National Orthodontic Health Month reminds our patients in Hamburg PA with dental braces, Invisalign, or any other orthodontic appliance to choose their treats wisely, and only eat dental braces friendly candy.
Trick or Teeth? Braces Friendly Candy
For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with our orthodontist in Hamburg PA here at Bryan Orthodontics, it is important to know that some treats can potentially cause damage that may prolong treatment. And while a few sweets can be okay, patients must brush and floss (something that can be difficult for patients with braces) after eating. On Halloween, orthodontic patients should only eat braces friendly candy that are soft and easy to chew including:
- Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
- Peanut butter cups
- Milk shakes
- Gelatin
- Peeled, thinly sliced apples
- Ice cream
Treats to avoid
Orthodontic patients should avoid treats that are sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy including:
- Toffees
- Caramels
- Candies that contain nuts
- Licorice
- Jelly beans
- Taffies
- Hard pretzels
- Bubble gum
- Candy corn
- Lollipops
Cavities Beware!
Follow these five easy tricks for how to treat your teeth this Halloween!
- Say, “Ahhhh!”: Stick to your oral care routine: for 2 minutes, 2x daily, brush and floss.
- Eat candy during meals: Saliva (which helps wash away sticky treats) is produced more at mealtime.
- Limit intake of candy: The longer candy is in your mouth, the longer bacteria can damage your teeth.
- Rinse: While snacking on your sugary treats remember to wash them down with plenty of water
- Only eat your treats on Halloween: Avoid eating a stash of candy over a period of time.
“Fangs” for Your Visit!
Halloween can be a lot of fun. Still, it’s important to consider the impact candy has on your teeth, particularly when you’re wearing braces and other orthodontic appliances! So remember, braces friendly candy only. Enjoy soft, non-sticky treats, avoid hard, sticky and chewy treats, and brush and floss after indulging! Happy Halloween from your favorite orthodontist, Dr. Bryan, and the team here at Bryan Orthodontics in Hamburg PA!
Schedule a complimentary consultation!
(610) 562-5185
Dr. Bob Bryan of Bryan Orthodontics is an expert in dental braces. If you have any questions pertaining to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, dental braces, clear braces, or an orthodontist in Berks County PA, Hamburg PA, Auburn PA, Shoemakersville PA, Port Clinton PA, 19526 zip code area, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Bryan, contact Bryan Orthodontics at: (610) 562-5185.