October has arrived, bringing with it cooler weather and the return of pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween festivities. But did you know that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month? It’s not all about pumpkin-flavored treats. At McDonough Orthodontics in Murray, Utah, your trusted orthodontic experts, we’re here to help you enjoy Halloween while taking care of your orthodontic health. Check out our list of top 10 braces-friendly Halloween candies and discover how to maintain your teeth’s health during this festive season. Embrace both Halloween and a healthy smile with our expert tips.
How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Halloween.
Yep, even with braces, you can still enjoy some Halloween candy. But hold up, before you dive headfirst into your candy stash, there are a few things you need to know to keep your braces in check. Broken brackets are no fun and can make your time in braces last longer. So, avoid these candy troublemakers:
- Caramels
- Gum
- Licorice
- Taffy
- Hard Candy
- Popcorn
- Jellybeans
- Suckers
- Nuts
And it’s not just candy you need to be mindful of. Sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks can also mess with your braces and teeth. They can leave behind those not-so-cool white marks on your teeth called decalcification. You can read more about that here.
But don’t worry; you don’t have to skip the treats altogether. You can still enjoy some delicious goodies that won’t give your braces a hard time:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Reese’s Pieces
- Kit Kats
- M&M’s (no nuts)
- 3 Musketeers
- Peppermint Patties
- Milky Ways
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Bars
- Twix Dark Chocolate
Other sweets you can enjoy on Halloween include ice cream, milkshakes, soft cookies, and cupcakes.
Your Checklist for Orthodontic Success:
We don’t want to be spoil sports, but here’s the deal: overdoing it on Halloween candy and sweets can lead to more than just a sugar rush. Sugary snacks can hang around your braces, potentially causing cavities or gum issues. So, make sure to take care of your smile by following these steps:
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- Brush for Two Minutes, at Least 2 Times Daily: When you have braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene for a healthy smile and successful treatment. Ideally you should brush after breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and before bedtime. This routine will help keep your braces clean and ensure they can work effectively, so you can achieve your best smile. If you ever have questions or need guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Floss Daily: Yeah, it’s not the most exciting thing, but it’s important to remove leftover gunk from your braces.
- Use a Water Pick: If you prefer water picks, they are a solution to reaching between your teeth, around the braces, and massaging your gums effectively.
- Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash: It’s not just for fresh breath; it strengthens your enamel and fights off bacteria.
- Follow Your Orthodontist’s Advice: Dr. McDonough is an expert and can help you achieve that perfect smile in the expected time if you follow his advice. So, listen to him carefully, and don’t be shy about asking questions!
McDonough Orthodontics is committed to ensuring your orthodontic journey is as smooth as can be while fully embracing the Halloween fun. So, go ahead, enjoy those braces-friendly treats, and stay dedicated to your oral care routine. Your smile will thank you for it, and you’ll always have a reason to smile brightly!
Halloween fun in Murray, Utah
If you’re looking for some Halloween fun there is plenty to do in Murray, Utah. From visiting pumpkin patches to checking out Murray’s haunted houses, we think you will find something fun at one of the following links:
Haunted Houses, Spook Walks & Other Halloween Attractions in Murray
Halloween trivia question
How did the tradition of wearing masks and passing out candy start?
People in older times believed that on Halloween night, the ghosts of the dead would return to earth. Some people wore masks when they left home after dark to make the ghosts think they were fellow spirits so they would not bother them. People would also place bowls of food outside their homes to keep the ghosts happy and out of their homes.
Happy haunting!
Your Friendly Team
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