Halloween is right around the corner, and for kids and adults alike, it’s a time for costumes, fun, and of course, candy! But if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering if you’ll need to skip the sweets this year to protect your braces. The good news is that you can still enjoy some Halloween treats while keeping your braces safe — you just need to know which candies to avoid and which are safe to indulge in.

At Ascend Orthodontics, we want to help you have a brace-friendly Halloween that’s both fun and safe. Here are some tips to guide you through the candy frenzy without compromising your smile!

Why Certain Candies are Harmful to Braces

Before diving into the dos and don’ts of Halloween candy, let’s take a quick look at why certain sweets are risky for your orthodontic treatment. There are two main ways candies can harm your braces:

1. Breaking Braces or Wires: Hard, sticky, or chewy candies can exert too much pressure on your braces, causing brackets to break or wires to bend. This could lead to extended treatment time, as broken braces need repairs, delaying your progress.
2. Causing Cavities: Some candies are not only sticky but also full of sugar that tends to linger around your braces. These can get stuck between brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean your teeth properly. This can lead to plaque buildup, increasing your risk of cavities and gum issues.

Understanding these risks will help you make better choices this Halloween. Now, let’s break down what candies you should steer clear of and which ones you can enjoy guilt-free!

The “Avoid at All Costs” List: Candies That Can Break Braces

If you’re wearing braces, there are certain types of candy you’ll want to avoid to prevent damage to your orthodontic hardware. These candies can snap wires or pop off brackets, which means an extra trip to see us at Ascend Orthodontics and possibly extending your treatment time.

Here are a few culprits to watch out for:

• Jolly Ranchers: These hard candies are one of the worst for braces. Biting down on a Jolly Rancher could snap a bracket or bend your wire.
• Toffee & Caramel: Whether it’s a chewy toffee bar or caramel-coated candy, these sticky sweets can do serious damage to your braces. Not only can they pull on your brackets, but they can also become stuck in places that are hard to clean.
• Lollipops: The longer these candies sit in your mouth, the more risk they pose. Plus, biting down on the hard part can easily break a bracket.
• Jawbreakers: It’s all in the name! Jawbreakers are a no-go for anyone with braces as they are simply too hard for your orthodontic hardware.

The Sticky Dangers: Candies That Can Cause Cavities

While the above list focuses on breaking your braces, the following sticky candies can cause a different kind of trouble: tooth decay. These sticky treats tend to cling to your braces and get stuck between wires, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and plaque to build up.

Avoid these cavity-causing treats:

• Milk Duds & Tootsie Rolls: These candies are chewy, sticky, and love to latch onto brackets and wires, making them difficult to remove even after brushing.
• Starbursts & Skittles: Both of these candies are small, chewy, and incredibly sticky. They can get lodged in your braces and make cleaning your teeth a real challenge.
• Sour Patch Kids: The acidic coating on these candies can wear down enamel, and their sticky texture increases the chance they’ll stay trapped in your braces long after the trick-or-treating is over.

Braces-Friendly Candies: Treats You Can Enjoy

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you go candy-less this Halloween! There are plenty of softer, braces-friendly treats that won’t interfere with your orthodontic treatment. You can still indulge in the fun of trick-or-treating or enjoy candy from a Halloween party without putting your braces at risk.

Here are some examples of candy that are safe to enjoy:

• Reese’s Cups: These soft, peanut butter-filled chocolates are a great choice for anyone with braces. They’re easy to chew and won’t damage your brackets or wires.
• Milky Ways: Similar to Reese’s, Milky Ways are soft and won’t harm your braces. Just be sure to steer clear of any varieties with caramel or crunchy bits!
• M&Ms (Plain): Plain M&Ms are small, easy to eat, and won’t get stuck in your braces like sticky candies. Just be sure to avoid the peanut variety as they can be a bit too hard.
• Smarties: These are a good choice if you're looking for something sweet and tart that won’t get stuck in your braces.

Remember, even with these safer options, moderation is key. No matter what type of candy you eat, it’s important to clean your teeth thoroughly afterward to avoid sugar lingering on your teeth.

Brush Up on Oral Hygiene After Eating Candy

After enjoying your Halloween treats, brushing and flossing should be a top priority! Sugar can quickly turn into plaque, and with braces, it’s easier for food particles and sugar to hide in hard-to-reach places. To protect your teeth, follow these tips after indulging:

• Brush thoroughly: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush all around your brackets and wires for at least two minutes.
• Floss daily: Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential to keep your teeth healthy. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to get between your braces and clean out any candy stuck between your teeth.
• Rinse with mouthwash: A fluoride mouthwash can help wash away any leftover sugar and prevent plaque from forming.

Keeping your teeth clean after candy isn’t just important for preventing cavities, it also ensures your orthodontic treatment stays on track. After all, a healthy smile is the best treat of all!

Join Us for Our Halloween Candy Buyback!

At Ascend Orthodontics, we want to make sure your Halloween is as fun as it is safe for your braces. That’s why we’re hosting our Halloween Candy Buyback event! Trade in your leftover candy and help keep your braces safe, while earning some awesome rewards. Here’s how it works:

• Bring your extra Halloween candy to Ascend Orthodontics on:some text
  • November 2nd in Loveland, CO
  • November 6th in Louisville, CO
• You’ll be able to exchange your candy for gift cards, prizes, and more!

This is a great way to enjoy the Halloween spirit without risking your orthodontic progress. Plus, all candy donations will go toward a good cause, as we’ll be donating them to local charities and programs. We’re excited to see you there and celebrate a successful, braces-safe Halloween together!

In Conclusion

Halloween doesn’t have to be a fright for your braces. By knowing which candies to avoid and choosing braces-friendly options, you can enjoy the spooky season without setting back your orthodontic treatment. And remember, if you’ve got leftover candy, join us for our Halloween Candy Buyback at Ascend Orthodontics for a fun, safe, and rewarding way to end the Halloween season.

We can’t wait to see your spooky costumes and brace-friendly smiles!

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