I love October, and not just for the changing weather and Halloween excitement! It’s National Orthodontic Health Month!
Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness of the benefits of Orthodontic treatment. The AAO is the largest, oldest professional association for Orthodontists in North America, and is comprised of more than 16,000 members.
Halloween can be a scary time of year. In a month full of hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy treats, it’s more important than ever to encourage patients to be kind to their teeth during treatment. The following tips will help to keep teeth safe from decay, and protect braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic “appliances”, as well as teeth during the Halloween season:
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Avoid sticky situations with your braces.
Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.
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Also steer away from nuts, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).
Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat from the Halloween candy bowl, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to sweets that can cause cavities. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods as always.
For more information on Orthodontic related topics, visit our website http://www.braceace.com/ . Feel free to contact us for "Braces Friendly" Halloween recipes!
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