October is National Orthodontic Health Month. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than four million adults and children are receiving orthodontic treatment in the United States alone. Halloween candy can be a nightmare for someone who wears braces, but it doesn’t have to be. These guidelines can help your trick-or-treater keep their braces safe and intact this Halloween.
Halloween Candy to Avoid:
- Caramel
- Bubblegum
- All hard candy
- Taffy
- Licorice
- Nuts
- Jelly beans
- Candy corns
- Popcorn
- Chewy candy
- Caramel and candy apples
All of the above candy can damage braces and retainers and should be avoided, but that doesn’t mean that Halloween can’t be fun. There are plenty of other things that trick-or-treaters who wear braces can enjoy like chocolate! Soft chocolate such as peanut butter cups, plain M&M's and candy bars without caramel and nuts are fine! Basically, anything that isn’t hard and crunchy or soft and sticky are OK.
The American Association of Orthodontists has also provided some great braces–friendly recipes for a spooktacular and yummy Halloween!
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