October 23, 2023
There’s nothing quite so alluring as Halloween’s creep factor and sweet celebrations. However, when you or your child has braces, it’s important to select safe foods that won’t interfere with orthodontic devices. Read on to learn what foods to avoid with braces (and what you can indulge in instead).
Sticky Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sticky foods and chewy foods are a serious risk to dental devices, as they can get stuck in between brackets and wires. They can also damage your braces or dislodge them, which means an emergency trip to the orthodontist and missed festivities.
Sticky treats to avoid include:
- Caramel candy
- Taffy
- Starburst
- Tootsie Rolls
- Airheads
- Skittles
- Candy corn
- Jelly beans
- Gum
- Rice Krispies treats
Hard Candy: Another Thing to Reject
Hard candy also never qualifies as braces-friendly food. Sucking on it is a lot of work for your mouth. It’s also normal to unconsciously bite down on hard candy, which could crack or chip a tooth. It could crack your braces or dislodge the glue on one of the brackets.
Some hard candies to avoid this Halloween are:
- Caramel hard candy like Werther’s
- Toffee (this could be a double whammy if it’s sticky)
- Lemon drops
- Jolly Ranchers
- Lemon Heads
- Lifesavers
- Malt Balls
Anything with nuts in it is also a no-go. This means chocolate bars like Snickers and Ferrero Rocher.
What About Invisalign?
Note that all these restrictions also apply to people with Invisalign, unless you remove the device first. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that uses clear, removable trays to straighten your teeth. They can be especially convenient during the holiday season. If you remember to take them out before indulging in something chewy or hard, you’ll be good to go!
The Award for “Worst Halloween Treat with Braces” Goes To…
Unfortunately, there’s one treat synonymous with Halloween that you should say no to this year. That’s the caramel apple. It’s easily the No. 1 worst thing you can eat when you have braces.
You’re dealing with the stickiness of caramel, but you’re also contending with the hard crunch of an apple. This means you’ll need a really hard bite, and apples are already one of the worst foods for braces.
Delicious Halloween Candy Alternatives
People love chocolate for tons of reasons. It has a unique and delicious flavor. It’s rich and can be creamy.
But the #1 reason people love chocolate is that it can melt in the mouth. This is why it’s a great braces-friendly food. Just make sure that your chocolate doesn’t have nuts inside.
This Halloween, indulge in chocolate candies like:
- Mini chocolate bars (Hershey’s, Kit Kat, Three Musketeers)
- Reese’s peanut butter cups (or other brands)
- Reese’s Pieces
- Hershey’s Kisses (without nuts)
- Plain M&Ms
How Hard Is Too Hard for Hard Candy?
It’s best to avoid hard candy if it has a texture like a Jolly Rancher. Stick with soft foods or go for powder-based candy, which is a safe food for braces.
Make sure to brush really well after eating them, though. They’re basically just sugar, so they’ll cause cavities fast if you’re not careful.
Candies you can have include:
- Pixy Stix
- Smarties
- SweeTARTS (though not the chewable kind!)
- Pez
- Powder-based candy
Other Treats Kids and Adults Love
You can enjoy other braces-friendly holiday recipes this Halloween, too. Pumpkin-flavored treats like doughnuts, cookies, and pies are delicious and safe foods to eat.
Cake pops also work wonders if you’re looking for a fun Halloween treat. You also might enjoy apple-flavored treats like cider doughnuts, pie, and Danishes.
Just make sure that they have a soft texture rather than a crunchy one.
SouthShore is Here to Help
At SouthShore Orthodontics, we’re committed to giving you all the information you need to stay smart this Halloween. Schedule an appointment to learn more about caring for your braces during the holiday season. We’ll also help you schedule an appointment to make sure everything stayed in place after the holiday is over.