For most kids, October is exciting because it means Halloween is just around the corner. For orthodontists, October is thrilling because it is National Orthodontic Health Month! This is a month dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits and importance of orthodontic treatment and a time to celebrate beautiful, healthy smiles. We at Pinecrest Orthodontics want to keep your smile bright, especially during the holidays when “sticky” temptations are heightened.
Since Halloween falls during National Orthodontic Health Month, we want to share some valuable tips to help keep teeth safe from decay and protect orthodontic appliances during the Halloween season.
- Avoid those treats that can play tricks on your braces, such as anything sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy. Examples of such treats to say “boo” to are caramel, taffy, candy corn, gummies, licorice, bubble gum, hard nuts and popcorn.
- Enjoy orthodontic-friendly treats that are soft and easy to chew, for example, soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. Other braces-safe sweet alternatives at Halloween time (or any time of the year) include ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O and soft fruits.
- If you do indulge in sweets, do so in moderation. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat Halloween candy, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not.
- Be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing during any holiday celebration when you’ll be eating more cavity-causing treats than usual.
- Use a fluoride rinse nightly to help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
If you’re looking for a great way to unload your excess Halloween candy this year, please participate in Pinecrest Orthodontics’ Halloween Candy Buy-back Event, November 1–3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by our office to trade in your excess candy for cash while benefiting our U.S. troops via Soldiers’ Angels. Please call our office at 305.423.4130 for more information!