October is an exciting time- football, pumpkin spice lattes, cooler weather, and of course Halloween! For orthodontists, it’s Orthodontic Health month. We at Davis Orthodontics like to celebrate beautiful, healthy smiles by sharing the importance of oral health, benefits of orthodontic treatment, and of course a few Halloween candy braces tips and tricks!

The Importance of Oral Health

Brushing your teeth is the most important action anyone can do to take care of your smile. We like to say “Brush the teeth you wish to keep!” Brushing at least twice a day helps remove food and harmful bacteria that can result in bad breath, decay, and infection. Flossing also helps remove food and plaque between teeth and the gum line. Additionally flossing daily helps prevent sore, puffy gums as well as gingivitis, which if left untreated can lead to periodontitis.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, correction and management of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child should have an initial orthodontic screening at age 7. Although orthodontic treatment may not begin at this time, the team at Davis Orthodontics can guide your child through their dental development to minimize any potential problems that may occur due to habits or their growth.

Halloween Candy Go’s and No’s

Halloween is a festive time of year for our young patients as well as for our older ones. It’s fun to collect candy and enjoy all the Halloween spooky treats at fall parties. Knowing what candy you can and can’t eat is crucial to your treatment (and happiness) in order to care for your brackets and wires. Not all candy is equal when it comes to being braces safe.

Candy Goes:

• Soft candy/chocolates (without hard caramel or nuts)
• Pixie sticks
• Peanut butter cups
• Sugar-Free Gum
• KitKats

Candy No’s aka No Ooey, Gooey, Sticky, or Chewy candies

• Hard Candy like Jolly Ranchers or Jaw Breakers
• Popcorn
• Laffy Taffy
• Airheads
• Caramel
• Starbursts
• Skittles
• Tootsie Rolls
• Bubble Gum
• Twislers
• Nuts
• Gummy candies like Swedish Fish or Sour Patch Kids

By following these guidelines, you will minimize the risk of broken brackets and damaged wires while in braces. Additionally you can prevent prolonged treatment times and additional visits to the office to repair loose appliances. Happy Halloween!