People who wear braces are limited in what types of candy they can enjoy on Halloween, and Chapman Orthodontics warn that candy can destroy the metal work of traditional braces, meaning costly and time-consuming repairs. Invisalign® wearers on the other hand, have much more flexibility which makes Halloween easier to enjoy. Unlike traditional braces, which have wires and brackets for candy to get caught in, Invisalign® has removable aligners which avoids candy getting stuck.
In both cases, Dr. Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN offers 3 easy tip-or-treats to help patients enjoy a healthy Halloween:
Free sugar-free candy and gum. You won’t find it at every house, but it’s out there, and Halloween is a good night to rack up on some free sugar-free candy and gum. Sugar-free candy stimulates saliva and prevents dry mouth—A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, and increases the risk of cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum can also prevent cavities. Increasing saliva as well, chewing sugar-free gum works to neutralize the acids of the mouth, prevent tooth decay and dislodge food particles from the teeth.
Avoid chewy/sticky, hard and sour candies. Gummy candies, taffy’s, and even dried fruit are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in between teeth and/or brackets making it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away. Hard candies make a sugar and acid bath for your teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities. And sour candies have high acid levels that can break down tooth enamel quickly. Noteworthy, Dr. Chapman warns that brushing right after consuming sour candy or any acidic foods or drinks for that matter increases the erosive action. You should wait at least 30 minutes.
Halloween candy side dishes. If you must, Dr. Chapman recommends eating candy and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles. Brushing and flossing after meals is also encouraged for those with braces or Invisalign®.
Keep in mind these tip-or-treats as you trick-or-treat on Halloween in Indianapolis, IN, and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Chapman at 317.484.6388.