WHAT TO AVOID AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
"If it's sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy, it's a food that anyone wearing braces or retainers should avoid," says William C. Gaylord, DDS, MS, orthodontist and AAO president.
The AAO urges patients to steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:
• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Taco chips
• Ice
"By following their orthodontist's guidelines on avoiding certain foods which tend to bend and break braces and maintaining proper oral hygiene, patients will be on track to complete orthodontic care on time and have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile," says Dr. Gaylord.
Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help orthodontic patients enjoy the "spook-ta-cular" holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided the orthodontic patient remembers to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended for orthodontic patients. However, patients can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.
Orthodontists suggest looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one's mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren't sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.
"We want patients to have fun while in orthodontic treatment," says Dr. Gaylord. "If orthodontic patients are careful about the Halloween treats they eat, they should be able to finish treatment on time and with good results."
WHAT TO DO IF FOOD DAMAGES A PATIENT'S BRACES:
If an orthodontic patient chews the wrong type of treat and damage occurs, it is recommended that the patient calls his/her orthodontist the next business day so that arrangements can be made to correct the problem.
"Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Often, one can be made more comfortable by applying orthodontic wax until the patient can come into the office," says Dr. Gaylord. Some problem-solving tips can also be found on the AAO Web site at www.braces.org.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS:
In addition to orthodontic safety, AAO members advise parents and children to follow trick-or-treating safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in
