Parents’ Guide To a Braces-Friendly Halloween: Treats, Tips, and Fun

Metal Braces

Metal braces are considered to be the traditional way to align your smile. These are metal brackets glued to your teeth with metal wires attached to them. It requires a frequent dental visit for their adjustment. Your dentist tightens the wire attached to your smile so that it brings your teeth to the required position.

Clear Aligners

These are a series of plastic dental trays that are placed inside the mouth. Each set of aligners is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day for 10 days. They apply gentle pressure to your teeth and move them to the desired position. Clear aligners are also removable, which makes the teeth straightening procedure more comfortable and convenient.

Hard Candies

Intake of hard candies such as lollipops can be dangerous for your braces. Breaking them with your teeth has a higher chance of damaging your metal brackets and wires, which can affect your gums or tongue.

Sticky Candies

Sticky candies, such as chewing gum, or jellies, can get stuck in your braces. If not removed, they can lead to severe dental problems such as plaque accumulation. Regular cleaning might not be enough to get rid of them. To avoid going through dental cleaning for your braces, it is best to prevent the intake of sticky candies.

Sour Candies

Sour candies have a high acidity, which can be hazardous to your teeth. They directly attack your tooth enamel, which is an outer protective layer of teeth, leading to severe sensitivity. Intake of sour candies compromises your dental health, which is why it is important to avoid them this Halloween season.

Soft Cookies

If your child insists on having treats, you can offer store-bought or homemade items such as cookies or brownies. They are soft, chewy, and less likely to impact the braces. You can decorate these treats however you like to give them a Halloween touch.

Ice Cream

Ice creams can be a safe alternative for children with braces. However, be mindful not to consume too much ice cream, as it can get stuck in the teeth and the braces, leading to plaque buildup as time goes on.

Marshmallows

Marshmallows can be a suitable option as well, but make sure they are not sticky. They are easy to chew and braces-friendly; therefore, they can be a great choice for Halloween treats.

1. Proper Brushing and Flossing

Your dental hygiene should always be a priority. To maintain good oral health, brushing and flossing play an important role. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day to keep your braces and teeth clean. As it is the holiday season, include daily flossing in your routine to clean any remaining food particles in your mouth.

2. Keep Your Mouth Hydrated

A simple way to maintain oral hygiene is to stay hydrated. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to rinse off any sugary residue present on their braces or teeth.

3. Limit Sugar Intake

Intake of high-sugar items can impact your teeth and braces by getting stuck. Therefore, to protect your oral health , try to limit the consumption of food items that are high in sugar.

4. Keep Your Braces In-Check

If your child has braces, keep them in check. A damaged wire can hurt your child’s gums or cheeks. This is why keep the braces in check. Furthermore, if you notice a slight damage, get it repaired before it harms.

5. Book Dental Appointment

Make sure to book a dentist appointment for your child to examine the oral condition. To ensure that the braces are in good condition and not damaged, it is important to have a smooth teeth straightening treatment.