Halloween Goodies That Are Braces Friendly

Here at Lorino Orthodontics we have a few recommendations to help care for your teeth when eating sugary sweets. The danger of sweets is that it can lead to tooth decay if not treated properly. Both Dr. Robert Lorino and the American Dental Association encourage proper care of your teeth all year long, but with the abundance of candy available this time of year, it’s time to be extra vigilant.

Sour and Fruity Candies.The downside of sour candies is the large amount of acid contained in them. Starburst and Skittles are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. It’s the low pH, or acid, that makes you pucker and it’s also what wears down the enamel on your teeth! Without the enamel coating, your teeth can get brittle and nerves can be exposed. Lorino Orthodontics recommends that you brush, or at a minimum, rinse your teeth after indulging in these candies.

Hard Candies ­­ If hard candies are your favorite, keep this in mind. Hard candies take longer to
dissolve so it’s like bathing your teeth in sugar and acid. The sugar stays in your mouth longer
and the longer the sugar is in your mouth, the more vulnerable your teeth are to cavities and
tooth erosion. Sugar creates an environment perfect for cavity and bad breath­ causing bacteria to
flourish. Again, Lorino Orthodontics encourages its patients to brush or rinse with a fluoride
mouthwash.

Sticky, Chewy Candies ­­ Love those sticky, chewy candies? Guess what, your braces and teeth
are not a fan. Candies that include taffy, caramels, peanuts or nuts leave a sticky residue on your
teeth and gums. This acts like an adhesive for bacteria which leads to tooth decay. These
ingredients can also cause damage to your orthodontia, breaking your wires and brackets.

To protect your braces, avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:
All hard candies, All chewy candies, Caramel, Nuts, Licorice, Taffy, Jelly beans, Hard pretzels, Bubble gum, Popcorn (including unpopped kernels), Ice.

Some Halloween goodies that are brace friendly include treats such as plain chocolate candies,
milkshakes, pudding, cakes, and thinly sliced apples dipped in creamy chocolate sauce. For more information, a consultation, or quote, contact Dr. Robert Lorino and his team. Call Lorino Orthodontics at (201) 891-7400 or visit our office in Pompton Plains, NJ today!