October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Did you know October is National Orthodontic Health Month?

While almost 1,000 orthodontists throughout United States celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month each October, children celebrate for another reason – Halloween!

Halloween treats like caramel, nuts and more are delicious, but they can also play tricks on your orthodontic treatment. In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, the team at Bottala  Orthodontics wants to give patients a few timely tips to protect your braces and aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” while also protecting teeth from decay.

Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.

Stay away from hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels). For more information on foods you should stay away from during orthodontic treatment visit our Foods to Avoid page.

Sweets can cause cavities which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.

But hey there’s good news too – not all Halloween candy is off-limits! Soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties are still completely fine for you orthodontics!

Parents – the American Association of Orthodontists even offers orthodontic-friendly recipes for Halloween on its website athttp://www.mylifemysmile.org/pressroom.

If you want more information on Halloween candies and your braces, you can always ask us during your next visit or Contact us.