The holiday season is almost upon us, and soon enough we'll start to see the pumpkins, ghoulish decorations, and extravagant costumes that usher in the first holiday of the season: Halloween! Halloween is a fun time for dressing up, telling scary stories, and spending time with friends and family – but unfortunately, it can be a dangerous holiday for braces. The gooey, sticky, hard, and sugary candies we love to indulge in during halloween can easily get stuck in archwires, break brackets, and corrode tooth enamel, putting both your braces and the health of your teeth in jeopardy, which is truly a scary thought! To help you navigate this time of the year, here are a few simple tips for taking care of your braces during Halloween.
Keeping Braces & Teeth Healthy During Halloween
- Say No to Sticky, Hard, & Sugary Candy: We know it's difficult, but while wearing braces, it's critical to avoid candies and foods that are sticky, hard, or chock full of sugars. All of these qualities can damage your braces and teeth, potentially causing serious problems and setting your treatment back by months.
- Brush Teeth Incessantly: In addition to avoiding dangerous foods, you'll have to be proactive about protecting your teeth and braces. You should brush your teeth at least four times daily, once after each meal and once before bed, and don't forget to floss at least once a day.
- Come In for Regular Appointments: In addition to the preventive measures you take outside the office, it's important to regularly visit our office for check ups and visit your regular dentist for deep cleanings. These appointments are critical to ensuring your treatment is progressing well and your teeth are still healthy and strong, letting us spot potential problems before they get too serious.
Contact Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics
The holiday season can be challenging for those wearing braces, but with a careful watch on your diet, a diligent oral hygiene regimen, and regular visits to our office, you can keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on track this holiday season. We encourage you to call our office at 814-833-5322 with any questions about caring for your teeth and braces. We can't wait to hear from you, and we hope you're excited to enjoy this Halloween season - taking good care of your braces, of course!