Halloween is all about spooky costumes, laughter, and sweet treats, but for those with braces or aligners, not every candy is a friendly ghost. At Mackenzie Orthodontics, we want our patients to enjoy the fun without any unexpected frights for their smiles!
Whether your child is heading out trick-or-treating or you’re stocking up on goodies to hand out, here’s our guide to which treats to enjoy—and which ones to avoid—to keep braces and aligners safe and smiles glowing all season long.
Treats to Avoid:
As tempting as they are, some classic Halloween sweets can spell trouble for orthodontic appliances. Sticky, chewy, or hard candies can bend wires, pop brackets, or even cause tooth damage.
- Caramel, taffy, and toffee: These stick to brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean off and easy to damage your braces.
- Gummy bears and licorice: Stretchy candies can pull at your braces and lead to loose brackets.
- Popcorn balls or candy apples: Hard textures can break brackets and wires, and kernels easily get stuck where brushing can’t reach.
- Nuts and hard candies: One crunch too many can lead to a cracked bracket or chipped tooth—no treat is worth that!
Treats to Enjoy:
There are still plenty of delicious ways to enjoy Halloween safely. Look for treats that are soft, melt easily, and won’t stick to brackets or get wedged between teeth.
- Chocolate (without nuts or caramel): Soft, melts quickly, and easy to rinse away.
- Peanut butter cups: A smooth, gentle texture that’s braces-approved.
- Soft cookies or brownies: Homemade or store-bought, these are festive and safe.
- Marshmallow-based treats: Soft and fun—just remember to brush afterward!
If your child wears clear aligners, they can enjoy these treats too, just remind them to remove their aligners before indulging and to brush thoroughly before putting them back in.
After the Treats: Keep That Smile Sparkling
Once the fun is over, good oral hygiene is key to keeping smiles healthy. Encourage your child to:
- Brush twice a day (and after any sugary snacks, if possible)
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to reach around wires
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel
Even during holidays, small habits make a big difference. If something feels loose, poking, or uncomfortable after Halloween night, we’re here to help—just give us a call!
Book your FREE consultation today!
Let’s make sure your smile is ready for every celebration—spooky or sweet!