Halloween is just around the corner, and kids with braces and their parents are likely to be concerned about treats getting stuck to or damaging the orthodontic appliances. While kids may want to sample as many treats as possible, certain items can damage braces and appliances. Making smart choices about candies and treats will ensure your kids enjoy themselves without negatively impacting their orthodontic treatment progress.

Do:

Accept chocolate of all kinds.

Chocolate is soft and melts in the mouth easily, which makes it ideal for kids with braces. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®, Three Musketeers®, and many other types of chocolate won’t loosen or otherwise damage braces. Just have your kids watch out for chocolate with hard nuts or sticky caramel. 

Eat baked goods.

If you have a neighbor who prefers to hand out fresh baked goods for Halloween, rejoice. Cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are soft enough to be eaten with braces. However, store-bought items are sometimes hard and chewy because they could break the wires or brackets on braces. 

Don’t:

Fill up the candy bag with caramel, taffy, and gum. 

Anything sticky is bad news for braces. When sticky items become entangled in braces, they can also bend wires and loosen bands.

Take a chance on hard candies. 

Hard candies, like suckers, will damage metal wires as children bite down. If your child must have a lollipop, tell them not to bite into it. Also, make sure your child properly rinses their mouth after partaking, as this will remove some of the sugars clinging to their teeth. 

No matter which sweet treat is enjoyed, always brush thoroughly to remove all food from your teeth and braces!

If you think your child needs braces to straighten their teeth and you want to schedule an appointment during their holiday break, Mosling Orthodontics in La Crosse, WI, is here to lend a hand. With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Mosling and the rest of the team are committed to giving patients a smooth and stress-free experience. They also offer different financing options and upfront estimates on treatment, so you know what to expect. Call (608) 782-1950 to schedule an appointment or visit the website for the full listing of services.