Tips For Halloween “Treats” Without Any “Tricks” When Wearing Braces

Dr. Conn explains that there are still plenty of options for enjoying Halloween candy, but patients in braces should avoid certain October treats

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By Dr. Karen Conn (Bryn Mawr Orthodontics)

October is here!  Hello pumpkin spiced latte, apple picking and, of course, Halloween CANDY!  Halloween is all about dressing up in costumes and eating treats.  And, if you’re in treatment with braces, you certainly don’t have to miss out on all the fun!  We want to help our patients enjoy trick or treating while wearing braces and avoid an extra visit to the orthodontist. 

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What should I avoid while in braces?

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Enjoying candy while wearing braces is still possible.  BUT, patients can avoid damaging their braces and extending orthodontic treatment by staying away from certain candy items.  Here is a list of treats to avoid while in braces:

• Avoid sticky and chewy foods such as caramel, jelly beans, Twizzlers, gummies, Swedish Fish, and Tootsie Rolls.
• Avoid chewing gum.
• Avoid hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Werther’s Original, and Life Savers.
• Avoid hard snacks, such as nuts and pretzels.

These sweets can get stuck in or break braces.  They may also damage braces, which can extend a patient’s orthodontic treatment time.  Remember that the sticky candies can also get stuck and sit in the grooves of your teeth and lead to cavities.  Your dentist would be happy to see these avoided too.

I also recommend generally avoiding sugary drinks while in orthodontic treatment, such as juice and soda.  Sugary drinks have added sugar that causes decalcification on the teeth.  Decalcification are those white spots that permanently stain your teeth.

So what can I eat on Halloween night?

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Yes, there is a list of foods to avoid, but the good news is that the list of foods patients can eat while in braces is much longer.  Here is a list of Halloween candies that are safe to enjoy while in braces:

• Enjoy soft, melt-in-your mouth candies such as chocolates (without caramel or nuts) and chocolate kisses!
• Enjoy favorites like M&M’s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats!
• Enjoy marshmallows!
• Enjoy ice cream and water ice!
• Enjoy soft snacks and desserts, such as soft cookies and brownies!

Whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not, don’t forget to take extra care of your teeth after eating all the candy!  Brush for 2 minutes each time using a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.  And don’t forget to floss at night!

Have fun trick or treating!

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Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults. She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers. Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.

Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

To learn more about Bryn Mawr Orthodontics contact the office today (484-383-0055) or schedule a free consultation online.