It’s October in St. George, Utah, and you know what that means ā the weather’s cooling down, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and Halloween is fast approaching. However, what you may not be aware of is that October is also National Orthodontic Health Month, and it’s not all about pumpkin-flavored treats. At Ortho-Specialists, your trusted orthodontic specialists in St. George, we’re here to guide you on enjoying Halloween while maintaining your orthodontic health. Discover braces-friendly Halloween candy options and learn how to care for your teeth during this festive season. Embrace both Halloween and a healthy smile with our expert tips.
How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Halloween.
Yep, even with braces, you can still enjoy some Halloween candy. But hold up, before you dive headfirst into your candy stash, there are a few things you need to know to keep your braces in check. Broken brackets are no fun and can make your time in braces last longer. So, avoid these candy troublemakers:
- Caramels
- Gum or Bubblegum
- Licorice
- Taffy
- Hard Candy
- Jellybeans
- Suckers
- Nuts
And it’s not just candy you need to be mindful of. Sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks can also mess with your braces and teeth. They can leave behind those not-so-cool white marks on your teeth called decalcification. You can read more about that here.
But don’t worry; you don’t have to skip the treats altogether. You can still enjoy some delicious goodies that won’t give your braces a hard time:
Reeseās Peanut Butter Cups
Reeseās Pieces
Kit Kats
M&Mās (no nuts)
3 Musketeers
Milky Ways
Chocolate Bars (no nuts)
Hersheyās Kisses
Chocolate Bars (no nuts)
Other sweets you can enjoy on Halloween include ice cream, milkshakes, soft cookies, and cupcakes.
Your Checklist for Orthodontic Success:
We don’t want to spoil sports, but here’s the deal: overdoing it on Halloween candy and sweets can lead to more than just a sugar rush. Sugary snacks can hang around your braces, potentially causing cavities or gum issues. So, make sure to take care of your smile by following these steps:
- Brush for Two Minutes, Five Times Daily: That may seem like a lot but when you have braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene for a healthy smile and successful treatment. Make sure to brush after breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and before bedtime. This routine will help keep your braces clean and ensure they can work effectively, so you can achieve your best smile. If you ever have questions or need guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Use a Water Pick: We highly recommend water picks for our braceās patients. It is great at reaching between your teeth, around the braces, and massaging your gums effectively. It’s a game-changer for your oral hygiene during treatment, ensuring a healthier smile.
- Floss Daily: Yeah, it’s not the most exciting thing, but it’s important to remove leftover gunk from your braces.
- Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash: It’s not just for fresh breath; it strengthens your enamel and fights off bacteria.
- Follow Your Orthodontistās Advice: Dr. Erickson is an expert and can help you achieve that perfect smile in the expected time if you follow his advice. So, listen to him carefully, and don’t be shy about asking questions!
You can learn more tips from our website page:Ā Life with Braces.
As you enjoy all the fantastic things that October has to offer, remember to take pride in your unique and incredible smile. Orthodontic Specialists is committed to ensuring your orthodontic journey is as smooth as can be while fully embracing the Halloween fun. So, go ahead, enjoy those braces-friendly treats, and stay dedicated to your oral care routine. Your smile will thank you for it, and you’ll always have a reason to smile brightly!
10 Halloween activities in St. George
From Spooky Lights to Haunted Houses, if you are looking for some Halloween or Fall fun in St. George, Utah, youāre sure to find something fun with one of these 10 Halloween Activities in St. George.
Halloween trivia question:
How did the tradition of wearing masks and passing out candy start?
People in older times believed that on Halloween night, the ghosts of the dead would return to earth. Some people wore masks when they left home after dark to make the ghosts think they were fellow spirits so they would not bother them. People would also place bowls of food outside their homes to keep the ghosts happy and out of their homes.
Happy haunting!
Your Friendly Team
