Every October, many orthodontic patients lament their braces and how they’re going to get in the way of having a good time on Halloween. Though there are rules that must be followed the whole time you wear braces, even on Halloween, there are still ways to enjoy the celebration.
Plan Treat Indulgences Carefully
Food gets stuck in braces. There is no arguing this fact. Food gets stuck in everyone’s teeth when they eat but braces-wearers simply have more to manage after a meal or snack. When Halloween candies and sweets tempt you, the best thing to do to avoid damaging your hardware or developing eventual cavities is to snack heavily in one sitting then give your teeth a generous flossing and brushing.
Snacking might seem like the safest way to avoid braces complications, but this behavior can lead to ongoing problems, especially bacteria and plaque build-up on your teeth. And no one wants to set back their orthodontic treatment because they need a cavity filled.
Stick to Chocolate
When gummy candies, super-sugary candies, and gooey and chewy sweets are your go-to snacks, there is no good time to indulge these great loves. Halloween is not a free pass to eat whatever you want simply because it’s a candy holiday. Smart decision-making is still essential to keep your alignment methods working properly.
Make an effort to retrain your sweet tooth by leaning toward pure chocolate instead of, well, everything else. If chocolate is always your first choice no matter what, you’re one of the lucky ones. If gummy bears and licorice are your faves, you might need to tweak your tastebuds. Chocolate doesn’t cling to the teeth or get caught between them. It melts quickly and is easily washed away with a glass of water. Chocolate is the safest sweet for people with braces.
Take Care of Invisalign Too
Even if you wear Invisalign, the above warnings apply. Those super-thin, super-clear trays are difficult to see on your teeth, but they’re not immune from damage. If you nosh on Halloween candy you could crack a tray, stain it, or get food stuck in between the plastic and your teeth. Not only is this gross, it’s bad for your teeth and the progress of your Invisalign treatment.
If you’re planning to indulge in Halloween candy, take out your aligners, store them safely, then brush your teeth before the trays go back in. At the very least, rinse your mouth with water and brush as soon as possible when you return home.
Prioritize Your Braces for Minimal Interruptions
The best thing you can do on Halloween as an orthodontic patient is keep your braces front of mind when it comes to eating, snacking, or putting costume bling on your teeth. Avoid disaster on this night and you’ll get through it without any spooky consequences. Your orthodontist is going to urge you to celebrate with caution on Halloween. Make smart choices all day and your hardware and aligners should stay safe. Have a question about your braces? Reach out to Lawrenceville Orthodontists.