Is It Really October Already?

Halloween can be a particularly scary time for teeth. Boschken Orthodontics offers these tips to keep teeth safe from decay and in particular to protect braces, aligners and other orthodontic appliances during the Halloween season: Avoid sticky situations with your braces! Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, liquorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans. Also steer away from nuts, tortilla chips and popcorn (especially the un-popped kernels). Good snack alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, please do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Whether or not they are in orthodontic treatment, limit the time that children can snack from the Halloween candy bowl. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, because teeth generally receive more exposure to sweets that can cause cavities and acid etching. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods. Remember, brush and floss daily to gain a perfect smile!