It’s finally October! The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and before you know it, everyone will be dressed up as their favorite ghouls and goblins for Halloween. October also happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, where orthodontists throughout the US and Canada work to increase public awareness of the positive impacts that orthodontic care can have on both long-term dental health and self-esteem. In honor of the occasion, your orthodontist in Powell is going to share a few helpful tips orthodontic patients should follow this Halloween season.
1. Avoid hard & sticky candies
If you or your child are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to know that some Halloween treats can cause issues if you eat them. Sticky candies can easily get caught up in braces, exposing the teeth to excess sugar for an extended amount of time, which can drastically increase the risk for cavities. Trying to chew hard candies can also easily dislodge a bracket or damage a wire, and the same goes for candies with nuts. While someone is straightening their teeth, it’s best to avoid these treats so you don’t have to make an unexpected trip to your orthodontist!
2. Enjoy braces-friendly treats
Now that we’ve covered everything that you have to avoid, what can you actually enjoy this Halloween? Quite a bit! Candies that are soft and melt quickly are safe for orthodontic patients, and this includes items such as chocolates, most candy bars, peppermint patties, and peanut butter cups. If your child picks up a few of the treats we mentioned in tip #1, just have them trade with their friends for some more braces-friendly candies (it’s also a good idea to keep some on-hand yourself).
3. Keep on brushing
Consistently brushing your teeth is a good habit no matter the time of year, but it’s especially important during October when there is so much extra candy flying around! Orthodontic patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each, and ideally, after indulging in any sweet treats as well. If someone eats some candy and can’t brush their teeth right afterward, a quick rinse with some water will do. This is all in an effort to dislodge any leftover particles and sugars in the mouth that can cause tooth decay, which can easily derail an orthodontic treatment.
Halloween should be a fun and carefree time, and by keeping these simple tips in mind, you can make sure the festivities don’t affect you or your child’s orthodontic treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a certified orthodontist who currently practices at Shirck Orthodontics. He and his team love serving patients of all ages, children and adults alike, providing treatments like Invisalign and various types of braces in Powell. To get more tips you can use this Halloween season, or to learn how he could help you or your child achieve a straighter smile, he can be contacted through his website.