Toothsome treats aren’t sweet when they bite back.
The American Association of Orthodontists wants brace-wearers to keep their fangs spooktacular through the trick-or-treating season, and ward off unnecessary visits to their offices!
The chopper-friendly organization is launching National Orthodontic Health Month by teaming up with Pam Waterman, author of “The Braces Cookbook,” to bring thrill seekers and their parents healthy recipes and treats that are fun to make, delicious to eat and won’t put a devilish dent in the boo-tiful smiles of the nearly five million Americans who wear braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances.
Halloween can be one of the busiest times of the year at orthodontists’ offices, thanks to your tyke’s Halloween haul.
Candies and other treats that are hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy can cause damage to orthodontic appliances, but, that’s not the worst of it.
In addition to patient discomfort, a broken bracket or loose wire may prolong treatment and require additional orthodontic appointments. Now, that’s scary!
The folks at the Association have your bridgeworks’ back! The grrr-eat news is that there are lots of food options that will keep the scheming sugar sprites at bay, including Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Softies and Black Cherry Fruit Bats — just to name two. (For more tooth-healthy treats check out the group’s website, www.braces.org).
The experts say that orthodontic patients should look for softer confections, such as mushy chocolate or peanut butter cups or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Those with braces or retainers should avoid sweets that are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy, including caramel, nuts, popcorn, taffy, jelly beans and licorice.
Bubblegum, hard pretzels, taco chips and ices are other damaging culprits.
Where’s the fun if you can’t munch on a candy bar once in a harvest moon, you ask? Orthodontic patients can indulge occasionally, provided they brush and floss properly afterwards, says Dr. Lee W. Graber, the Association’s president.
A few more tips: If you chew on a diabolical treat and damage occurs, contact your orthodontist — pronto! Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone, and loose brackets or wires can be accommodated with a dab of orthodontic wax until the patient can come into the office.
Most of all, remember Graber’s eerie advice for keeping your haunt-fest a happy and healthy one, “Halloween should be a fun time for all kids, including those in orthodontic treatment!”
Additional tips and information can be found on the American Association of Orthodontists’ website, www.braces.org, or its Facebook, Twitter (@Braces) and YouTube pages. To locate an orthodontist, click on “Find an Orthodontist” or ask your dentist for a referral.
