Halloween will be here soon and trick-or-treaters and their parents will be out in full force to enjoy the night of costumes and fun.
But for children and teens with braces, Halloween can be challenging, with homeowners giving out candy that may prove troublesome for brace-wearing trick-or-treaters.
This holiday is fun for all, but the staff at Grace & Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville wants to remind patients to be aware of what foods and candies may cause problems for their braces.
Here are some suggestions from the American Association of Orthodontists on how to keep your children, and their teeth, safe during Halloween and the days that follow, when candy is consumed.
Safety
Trick-or-treating and Halloween have gone hand in hand for kids and their families for decades. And while it’s a great holiday enjoyed by millions across the country, parents should be aware of the potential risks and keep safety in mind. To ensure your children remain safe while trick-or-treating on Halloween, use common sense and follow these basic guidelines:
- Make sure young children are accompanied by an adult guardian at all times when going door-to-door on Halloween.
- Carry flashlights to better illuminate your walking route and prevent trips and falls that could lead to injury.
- Costumes, even dark and scary ones, should have light-colored or reflective portions on them so children can be seen by passing drivers.
- Try to avoid costumes that feature masks. This is especially true for younger children. Masks can reduce visibility for those who wear them and can be a safety hazard for mask-wearers and those around them.
- Be sure your children do not eat any of the candy they receive until they are safely home. Once there, parents should inspect treats and candy carefully before allowing children to eat them.
Candy and Treats To Avoid
If your children wear braces, they will have to avoid eating some candy and treats. It’s not fun for them, but assure them that wearing braces now will help them enjoy lots of different foods in the years to come.
Many types of candy given out on Halloween can damage braces. Here are some treats brace-wearers should avoid at Halloween, and in general.
- Hard candy
- Chewy candy
- Nuts
- Licorice
- Caramel
- Jelly beans
- Taffy
- Gum
- Hard pretzels
- Popcorn
While these foods are tasty and tempting, they all could break or bend your child’s braces. It’s better for kids to avoid eating them when wearing braces.
The good news is there are treats that kids with braces can enjoy.
Some you can try include:
- Soft chocolates
- Peanut butter cups
- Ice cream
- Gelatin
- Smoothies
- Root beer floats or other ice cream sodas
- Good old apple cider!
These are just some of the alternatives for brace-wearers to enjoy during Halloween.
All of us at Grace & Bowman Orthodontics wish you and your family a happy and safe Halloween!
If you have any questions regarding braces and Halloween or encounter any problems with your child’s braces during the holiday, feel free to contact us!