If you have orthodontia, you probably spend a fair amount of time considering what to eat with braces. That’s because you don’t want to risk damaging your braces. If you do, it’ll take longer to straighten your smile. A broken bracket typically means an extra month of treatment. To avoid this, you need to choose carefully. It’s especially important at Halloween, when you’ll be offered lots of treats.

At Russ Ford Orthodontics, we’ll make sure you have the information you need for successful treatment with braces. Call us today at 719-782-7016 if you need to make an appointment. In the meantime, check out our orthodontist’s tips for how to enjoy Halloween without damaging your braces or your teeth:

  • Stay Away From Sticky, Sour, and Crunchy Treats – A good rule of thumb before having a treat is to ask yourself whether it can get stuck in braces or damage a bracket. In general, this rules out sticky and crunchy candies. Sour candies are a bad idea for braces wearers – or for anyone really – because of their high sugar and acid content. This combination of ingredients is hard on tooth enamel and makes you highly susceptible to cavities. 
  • Choose Chocolate, but Avoid Nuts – Chocolate is the safest choice. It melts readily, so it easily washes away from teeth and orthodontia. To be safe, it’s best to avoid candies with nuts. The softer the treat, the better it is for your smile. Examples include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and York Peppermint Patties.  
  • Cut Treats into Pieces – Another best practice with braces is to cut food into smaller pieces. If you want to have an apple, make sure you cut it into small pieces first. Avoid caramel apples, but feel free to enjoy bites of apples with peanut butter. 
  • Drink Lots of Water – It’s always important to brush and floss, but that’s especially true if you’ve indulged in more treats than usual. If you can’t do it right away, we recommend rinsing your mouth out with water. Drinking water while eating helps wash harmful substances away from your teeth and braces. 
  • Sugar-Free Gum Is OK – You may assume gum is off limits. But that’s not true. You can chew gum if you make smart choices. Chew only soft, sugar-free gums. Good choices include Trident and Orbit. Break larger pieces up before chewing, and don’t chew too hard. 

Ask us anything about orthodontics, including what to eat with braces! Call Russ Ford Orthodontics at 719-782-7016 for an appointment in Colorado Springs, CO.