October is National Orthodontic Health Month, celebrated by orthodontists throughout North America. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.  Only those with this education may call themselves “orthodontists” and only orthodontists may be members of the AAO. 

Halloween falls during National Orthodontic Health Month and so we want to share some helpful tips to help keep teeth safe from decay and protect orthodontic appliances during the Halloween season:

• Avoid those treats that can play tricks on your braces, such as anything sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy.  Examples of such treats to say “boo” to are caramel, taffy, candy corn, gummies, licorice, bubblegum, hard nuts, and popcorn.
• Enjoy orthodontic-friendly treats that are soft and easy to chew, for example,  soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.
• Other braces-safe sweet alternatives at Halloween time (or any time of the year) include ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, and soft fruits.
• If you do indulge in sweets, do so in moderation.  Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat Halloween candy, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not.
• It is also important to be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing during any holiday celebration when you’ll be eating more cavity-causing treats than usual.

If you’re looking for a great way to unload your excess Halloween candy this year, please participate in Pinecrest Orthodontics’ second annual candy buy-back event, November 1st-2nd from 9am-5pm.  Stop by our office to trade in your excess candy for cash while benefitting our U.S troops overseas via Operation Gratitude.  Please call our office at 305-423-4130 for more information!

Our team at Pinecrest Orthodontics encourages everyone to have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable Halloween season!