A Braces-Friendly Halloween!

Kids and adults who wear braces know that Halloween can be the scariest holiday of all – because braces and retainers can so easily be broken by eating hard or sticky candy.   The high sugar content of candy is not good for anyone’s teeth, but orthodontists understand that kids and adults do candy when Halloween comes around.
 
“Halloween can be a tough time for kids who wear braces, so they have to make good decisions about what kind of candy to eat, and they have to be very careful about brushing and flossing after eating candy,” says Dr. Inna Gellerman, whose Huntington orthodontics office celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.

Sticky candy is a no-no for braces wearers.  The candy sticks to the appliances, and can pull pieces apart and break the braces at many different points.   The worst offenders are gummy bears, caramels, taffy, licorice, bubble gum, hard candies and candy corn. Jawbreaker candies won’t break your jaw – but they might break a tooth or a bracket on braces.   Candy apples and caramel apples are also on the no-eat list for braces wearers.  

This doesn’t mean that kids can’t have any Halloween candy.  Choices have to be made carefully.   Soft candies include peanut butter cups, chocolate without nuts, and soft – but not sticky - candy bars can be reasonable choices.  In place of caramel or candy apples, try apple slices dipped in chocolate syrup or a fruit dip.  Cupcakes with orange frosting and chocolate spider webs can liven up a Halloween party, and offer a soft and safe alternative for braces wearers.  Don’t forget toys and gifts with Halloween themes – they can be just as good as candy – pumpkin shaped erasers, stickers, temporary tattoos, and other fun items that won’t damage braces or retainers.

Also important to remember: everyone should always brush and floss after eating candy!



ABOUT GELLERMAN ORTHODONTICS, PC
  
Dr. Gellerman and her team are committed to creating a memorable journey to a Spectacular Smile for each and every patient, providing the highest standards of orthodontic care in a warm and comforting environment. Dr. Gellerman attends professional educational seminars, conducts dental study groups and participates in on-going training to remain at the forefront of orthodontics today.  The office features the latest in orthodontic technology and is the only source on Long Island offering the revolutionary SureSmile®, which incorporates 3D imaging and robotics and reduces treatment time from conventional braces by 40%. The office also offers special appliances for young kids that help to minimize orthodontic treatment later, surgical orthodontics, Invisalign®, InvisalignTeenTM, Damon and i-Cat.  To learn more, visit www.drgellerman.com or call 631-427-8444.  The office is conveniently located in the Village of Huntington at 165 Main Street, Huntington NY  11743.