Unique Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Navigating Halloween treats with braces can be different, but it is not difficult. You will still be able to eat yourself silly munching on candy and other seasonal treats. Just as with the list of foods you should avoid, there is a list of Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats. If your bag, bucket, or pillowcase is stuffed with items you can’t (or shouldn’t) have, trade them out with your friends.
Non-Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats (Avoid These)
Although this list will have similarities to the primary list you already received, we will be focusing on candy and other treats. Thinking in terms of what can potentially damage your braces will keep you fairly safe during Halloween.
Caramel and candied apples are definitely on the list to avoid. As sad as it may be, you should also avoid bobbing for apples this year. As you know, anything sticky, chewy, or gummy can break or get stuck in your wires. Other items you should avoid include:
- Toffee (yes, that means no Heath bars this year)
- Tootsie Rolls
- Starburst
- Taffy (Laffy Taffy isn’t so funny with braces)
- Sugar Daddies
- Caramels
- Hard candies
- Gummy anything (worms, bears, rings, and Lifesaver Gummies are included here)
- Chewing gums (especially that rock hard Bazooka Joe in the bottom of your bag)
- Anything with nuts (Almond Joy, Snickers, PayDay)
- Licorice
The above list is not complete as we only mentioned many of the more common candy treats. Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honey, and those strange toffee chunks in the orange and black wrappers are also on the list of items to avoid.
Braces-Friendly Halloween Treats (Eat These)
Now for the good stuff! Pumpkin pie with all the whipped cream is on the menu. So are cakes and cookies, although you still need to avoid nuts and crunchy things that may be hiding inside them. Donuts, apple cider, and chocolate covered pretzels are allowed too. The best? Chocolate in every shape and flavor.
Raspberry chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and orange chocolate. Like Hershey’s Bars, plain chocolate without nuts, Hershey’s Kisses, and similar are all braces-friendly Halloween treats. Avoid nuts, caramel, and other hard centers (Heath Bars), but otherwise enjoy all the chocolate. Some other great options:
- Reese’s Pieces and M&Ms (watch out for the candy shells)
- Mint candies
- Reese’s Cups
- 3 Musketeers Bars and other nougat-filled bars
- Mounds Bars (but not Almond Joy)
- Kit Kat Bars
- Spree, Sweetarts, and Pixie Stix
- Malted Milk Balls
This is not a complete list. It would be best if you had your common sense engaged when you sort through all your candy. The simple question, “Will this damage my braces?” can help you determine good treats to eat with braces. If something will damage your braces, don’t eat it.
Please do not freeze your chocolate. While this is a favorite for many people, frozen chocolate can damage your braces.
Still Not Sure? Call Hanson Place for Answers
At Hanson Place Orthodontics, we want you to have a safe and fun-filled Halloween. Remember, if you have a lot of candy in your bag that you can’t eat, consider a trade deal with your friends. You can also donate candy to organizations around the local area.
If you still have questions about braces-friendly Halloween treats, contact us at Hanson Place Orthodontics. Our staff can answer all of your questions. We have a text line set up that is accessible 24/7 for your convenience. Just text your questions to (917) 601-8623. We are also available via email at Info@HansonPlaceOrtho.com.
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