For orthodontists, the Halloween season is all about helping patients avoid potentially sticky situations.

October is the perfect time of year to learn about orthodontic health and how an orthodontist helps patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Besides, everyone knows that Halloween candy can give any orthodontist a scare.

Here are five timely tips to help protect braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances while protecting teeth from decay:

Let sticky foods RIP

If it’s hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy, stay away.

Avoid caramel, taffy, bubble gum, licorice, gummies, or any snack that can damage brackets or wires.

Also, be sure to say “boo” to hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips, and popcorn — especially unpopped kernels.

Choose “spooktacularly” soft foods

Opt for soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups, or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.

Dare to take extra care

Sweets can cause cavities, which is why brushing and flossing are even more important than ever during the Halloween season.

Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing immediately after eating sugary or starchy foods.

Set yourself up for success

I encourage parents to keep acceptable treats on hand to substitute for “off limits” candies for trick-or-treating.

Parents can also find free, Halloween-themed recipes such as Quirky Quesadillas for Halloween, Delightfully Devilish Deviled Eggs, Mummy Pizza Biscuits, Spooky Spider Web Bean dip and other fun recipes, on the American Association of Orthodontists website.

Commit to oral health

Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break brackets and wires.

We want kids to have fun on Halloween. And there’s no need to feel left out. Patients are free to enjoy acceptable treats in moderation.

The payoff is a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s always worth it in the end.

About the author

Dr. Courtney opened an orthodontic practice in Roanoke Rapids this past summer. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry and completed an additional two-year, advanced, accredited educational program in orthodontics at the University of Louisville.  

She currently sees patients at 551 Becker Drive, Roanoke Rapids, which is her temporary location until the grand opening of her new office building in early 2018.

She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.