Did you know that the Huffington Post found that 600 million pounds of candy are purchased each year for Halloween? That’s 34 pounds per person in America alone! If you’re planning to indulge your sweet tooth this spooky season, then it’s of the utmost importance that you are choosy. Otherwise, you could develop cavities or accidentally sustain an orthodontic emergency. To help prevent that from happening, keep reading to learn the “best” and “worst” Halloween candy with braces.
The “Best” Halloween Candy with Braces
Of course, even the “best” Halloween candy should be enjoyed in moderation. After all, these festive treats are often packed with one of the leading causes of cavities: sugar! Since tooth decay can throw a wrench in your treatment plan, it’s best to keep your consumption to a minimum. When you do indulge, choose:
- Kit Kats
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 3 Musketeers
- Chocolate bars that don’t have nuts
- Plain M&Ms
You can also enjoy delicious treats that aren’t candy, like soft cookies, apple cider, and pumpkin pie.
The “Worst” Halloween Candy with Braces
The candies in the “worst” column are those that are hard, sticky, and difficult to chew. Since these treats significantly increase your chances of sustaining an orthodontic emergency, you should avoid them altogether. Some examples include:
- Taffy
- Tootsie rolls
- Jolly Ranchers
- Starburst
- Candy corn
The Braces-Friendly Way to Eat Halloween Candy
Yes, there is a braces-friendly way to eat Halloween candy. Naturally, that starts with choosing your candy wisely. The next step is to keep timing in mind. While you may be tempted to snack on sweet treats throughout the day, your saliva production is the highest during mealtimes. So, indulge in candy alongside your lunch or dinner instead. Sipping on water simultaneously will help rinse the sugary particles from your teeth, decreasing your chances of developing tooth decay in the process. Lastly, make sure to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash shortly after.
The good news is that you don’t have to avoid candy at all costs for the sake of your smile. Just make sure to be selective about the ones you choose to indulge in and stay committed to a solid oral hygiene regimen!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Simply Orthodontics are two highly-trained, talented, and exceptional orthodontists, Dr. Anna Simon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. With our exceptional team at their side, they have helped countless patients in and around the Framingham area achieve straight teeth and beautiful smiles. If you have a question about life with braces or would like to schedule a consultation to find out if you’re a candidate. Don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 250-0170.