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Oct 29, 2019 GSO

Fall can be a great time of year, with the leaves changing color, cooler weather, and Halloween approaching! While Halloween is a lot of fun for kids, our team at Georgia School of Orthodontics wants to remind you that it can also be risky, especially if you have kids with braces. Take a look at the following tips from the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) on how to keep your kids and their teeth safe this Halloween season.

Important Safety Tips

A favorite Halloween activity for kids everywhere is Trick-or-treating. While it is a fun holiday tradition, it comes with some possible risks. To keep your kids safe while trick-or-treating, try following these simple guidelines:

  • If you have young children, make sure they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • You or your kids should always carry flashlights.
  • For costumes, try to include a light-colored or reflective element that can be easily seen by oncoming traffic.
  • Avoid costumes that include a mask, especially for younger children. These can pose a safety hazard for both the wearers and the people around them.
  • Tell your kids not to eat any of their candy until they arrive home. Be sure to inspect all treats carefully before letting them dig in.

Following these guidelines can help you keep your kids safe on Halloween.

Halloween Treats to Avoid if Your Child Has Braces

If your kids have braces, you’ll want them to avoid certain treats while they are in braces. Many sweet treats can cause damage to braces, so it’s important to avoid them. Here is a list of treats to stay away from:

  • Hard candies
  • Chewy candies
  • Nuts
  • Caramel
  • Licorice
  • Jelly beans
  • Taffy
  • Bubblegum
  • Hard pretzels
  • Popcorn

Some of these treats may seem harmless, but all of them have the potential to bend or break your child’s braces. So it’s best to avoid eating them altogether.

Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats

If your children have braces, we realize that it is not possible to expect them not to eat some treats on Halloween. Here are a few braces-friendly suggestions that may not damage appliances:

  • Soft chocolate
  • Peanut butter cups
  • Gelatin treats
  • Ice cream
  • Smoothies
  • Root beer floats
  • Apple cider

These are just a few braces-friendly alternatives to help your kids enjoy the holiday without having to visit their doctor to repair damaged braces.

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