For kids, fall is one of the best times of year. There’s Halloween, fall festivals, and plenty of fun snacks to look forward to. If you head down to the fair or visit a carnival, you’re sure to find tasty treats to eat. No matter if your child prefers sweet or salty snacks, they’ll discover something they like.
But wait! Does that mean kids who wear braces miss out?
Whether you have metal braces or clear braces, there are some foods you shouldn’t eat with braces. The lucky thing is, your child can enjoy fall’s flavors while still avoiding the few items that could cause problems. The most important thing for you? Know what they’re getting into so you can give the best advice.
What Not To Eat With Braces
When holidays roll around, kids and adults alike go online to find out what treats they can enjoy with braces. It’s especially common for us to get questions about Easter candy and braces or Valentine’s Day with braces. But fall is important, too, thanks especially to the biggest candy holiday of them all: Halloween!
There’s conflicting information out there about snacks for braces, so let’s get the facts:
DON’T EAT: Nuts
Nuts are among the worst things you can eat with braces. They break up into sharp shards that can get under your dental work and be very difficult to get out. Not only can they bend braces or damage wires, but they’ll easily get pinned up against tooth enamel, promoting tooth decay.
DON’T EAT: Caramel & Toffee
Soft, sticky foods are in a special category that everyone with braces should definitely avoid, regardless of age! No matter if it’s saltwater taffy, a caramel-filled chocolate, or a big hunk of flavored toffee, the problem is the same: These treats can all pull on braces, cause damage, and be very difficult to dislodge.
DON’T EAT: Hard, Crunchy Foods
What’s the single worst food for braces? There are many contenders for that title, but the caramel apple is probably #1! An apple is bad enough on its own, since biting down with too much force can bend braces’ brackets. But then it comes with a layer of caramel and a topping of nuts. Avoid treats like this with braces.
DON’T EAT: Things You Need To Rip or Pull
If you find yourself “pulling” or “tearing” at either candy or meat like drumsticks, ribs, and more, beware. This can pull braces’ brackets out of whack. Even at the fair, it’s wise to avoid eating food off the bone with braces. Some breads can also be hazardous.
Braces-Friendly Foods For Fall And Beyond
Want some safe snacks your orthodontist approves of?
The truth is, you can eat just about anything that doesn’t fit into the categories above.
Some options include:
DO EAT: Chocolates & Melty Candies
Most chocolates are actually fine to eat while you have braces. That includes soft chocolates like Hershey Kisses that melt quickly. It also means any chocolates with a thin candy shell, such as M&Ms, where the shell dissolves in a few seconds. Hard candies that dissolve (like Smarties) can be okay, but only if you don’t bite into them.
DO EAT: Well-Cooked & Soft Foods
Almost all foods you can’t eat with braces can be prepared in ways that make them braces-safe. For example, an apple isn’t okay, but a nice apple pie can be. You can help kids make better choices by looking for safe ways to prepare fall treats.
What About Kids With Invisalign® Aligners?
Invisalign® is “the clear alternative to ordinary braces,” providing discreet, effective orthodontic care without braces’ few pesky drawbacks. Not every patient qualifies for Invisalign®, but many teenagers and responsible younger kids can, depending on whether enough permanent teeth have come in.
The most severe orthodontic conditions can’t be treated with Invisalign®, but most conditions can. Since they’re removable, Invisalign® makes it easier to sample the full range of fall treats. Simply take them out, store them in a safe place, then eat to your heart’s content. Brush and floss, clean off your aligners, and put them back on.
While patients with Invisalign® can indulge in things like toffee and nuts, they still need to be extra careful to thoroughly clean their teeth right afterwards. Teeth should be clean before you put your clear plastic aligners back on, and you need to wear them for most of every day (and overnight!) to see results.
Beauchamp Orthodontics Is Here To Help With Port Orange Braces Care
Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Marielle Beauchamp and the whole team at Beauchamp Orthodontics are ready to make it easy to get the most from your braces. Book your consultation today to find out more or get started with orthodontic care.
