Facing Halloween with Braces

Have a Brace-safe Night of Trick-or-treating

The haunting hours of Halloween can mean big trouble for trick-or-treaters who wear braces. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reminds patients to follow special guidelines for keeping braces intact and keeping themselves safe.

"If it's sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy, it's a food that anyone wearing braces or retainers should avoid," says Dr. James J. Caveney, president of the AAO.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and orthodontists urge patients to steer clear of the following treats, or treats with these ingredients, as they could lengthen their treatment time:

• Caramel
• Bubblegum
• Taffy
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Peanuts
• Hard pretzels
• Taco chips
• Ice

"Eating food that could harm your braces may affect treatment just as if you weren't tending to oral hygiene or wearing your rubber bands," Dr. Caveney says.

Bobbing for apples is also not recommended for braces. However, orthodontic patients can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt dip or creamy chocolate sauce.

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treatless. Plain chocolate candy is OK, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Braces-safe Halloween recipes also can help orthodontic patients enjoy the holiday.

Want to see more?

• Brace Yourself! Helping Your Child Adjust to Orthodontic Braces
• Halloween Temptations: Healthy and Non-food Alternatives from Texas Children's Hospital
• Calling All Ghouls and Ghosts: Throw a Halloween Party Adults and Kids Will Love
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!