Why Visit the Orthodontist after Halloween

As Halloween approaches this year, we’re sure all of our younger patients are anxiously waiting to make their rounds and stock up on candy. Of course, it’s always important to refrain from eating candy that could harm your orthodontic appliances. Candy, in general, is already tough on braces, as well as your teeth, so Halloween time can put quite the scare in orthodontists and parents alike. In a recent post, we discussed the specific types of candy that are more preferable for those with braces, but this week we’d like to discuss the importance of visiting your orthodontist after the festivities are over. In doing so, we at Trapnell Orthodontics can ensure no complications or issues have arisen from the likely candy binges.

Though orthodontic issues can be easy to notice, some issues could occur without you knowing, such as a bracket or wire breaking toward the back of your teeth. Regardless, only the experienced orthodontists at Trapnell can ensure your orthodontic appliances remain unharmed after Halloween. While you may be aware of the many problems that can result from eating candy, now’s a good time for a refresher as we prepare for Halloween. Let’s take a look.

Potential Damages from Halloween Candy

While Halloween may be no different than any other time of year, in regards to eating candy with braces, it can be difficult to refrain from such during the spooky season. Having said that, we encourage our patients to avoid eating those sticky and chewy candies, as they can be detrimental to your orthodontic appliances. Chewy candy can pull at your brackets and wires as you chew, while the crunchy stuff can simply push brackets and bend wires. Any of these issues will need to be addressed right away, and you’ll run the risk of lengthening your treatment time.

Not only that, but the sticky types of candy are much harder to remove after eating, which allows the bacteria and sugars to further harm your teeth. Plus, braces are already hard enough to clean around, making proper oral care that much more difficult to maintain. So, if you do indulge in a little Halloween candy consumption, seeing your orthodontist after could be crucial. In our office, we can check for any damaged appliances, as well as any areas of your mouth that could use some extra care. In an effort to help you prevent these issues, let’s take another look at what you can and shouldn’t eat.

What to Avoid and What to Enjoy

As covered in our previous Halloween post, there’s plenty of treats you can still enjoy for Halloween this year, as well as many to avoid. Whether you’re going out trick-or-treating or to a fun get together with friends, it’s good to know what you should and should not eat. Check out the list below for what to avoid:

  • Hard candy
  • Chewy candy
  • Nuts
  • Caramel
  • Gum
  • Taffy
  • Popcorn
  • Licorice

For the foods and candy to enjoy, there’s still plenty. See below:

  • Chocolate
  • Soft mints
  • Pudding
  • Cookies
  • Apple Cider
  • Ice Cream

Of course, if you do decide to eat any of the treats above, be sure to brush your teeth directly after and floss, too! It also wouldn’t hurt to look in the mirror and ensure your braces or other appliances haven’t been damaged. Then, come on into Trapnell so our expert orthodontists can take a look and make certain no issues have arisen.

Visit Your Orthodontist This Halloween at Trapnell!

While you can be plenty safe when indulging in sweet treats this Halloween, we still recommend paying us a visit to ensure everything is on track. At the very least, be sure to brush and floss regularly after eating candy, as well as assess your braces for any issues. In doing so, you can stay on track with your treatment time and avoid any potential oral health issues.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can contact us here.