Young braces wearers are often very much in the moment. They’re thinking about what the day-to-day will be like now that they have brackets and wires on their teeth. Then, suddenly, it’s October, and Halloween is just around the corner. Candy. Costumes. Can October 31 still be a good time? Here are the dos and don’ts for making it through this holiday without any damage to your hardware?

1. Don’t eat chewy candy.

If your sweet tooth craves gummies, taffy, chewing gum, caramel, and anything that could pull on your brackets and wires, just say no. We know it’s hard to abstain, especially if those are your favorite sweets, but they’ll be available when your orthodontist takes your braces off the right way. The last thing you want is an emergency appointment to fix brackets broken by sticky candy.

2. Do enjoy chocolate.

If you love chocolate even a little, this is the candy to say yes to. Soft chocolate free of hard nuts or chewy fillings is gentle on the teeth. It melts away more quickly than other treats and is less problematic for braces. When you’re ready to dig into Halloween treats, opt for a plain chocolate bar or peanut butter cup, enjoy, then brush the remnants away.

3. Don’t say “just one bite.”

You may be tempted to have just one little bite of your favorite “dangerous” sweet. All it takes is one bite to wreak havoc on your brackets and wires. It is in your best interest to avoid anything that’s bad for your braces so you don’t find yourself with just one big problem as a result. You don’t have the luxury of Invisalign patients who can remove their trays to eat but, soon enough, you will be done with your braces and your strong smile will allow you to eat whatever you want.

4. Do brush and floss often.

Any braces wearer knows that regular brushing and flossing is their friend. If you find yourself indulging in plenty of candy, make sure you increase your personal oral hygiene to protect your braces from damage and the teeth behind them from stains or cavities. If you’re headed out on the haunt with friends or family, stash a brush and floss or at least water and mouthwash in your costume or car so you can clean up in a pinch and not allow candy to hang around on your teeth and hardware.

5. Don’t forget about your orthodontist.

Your Philadelphia Orthodontist is a resource for you. If you have a question about what you can do or eat on Halloween or anytime, call Drs. Roberts & de Marsche at Philadelphia Orthodontists in Center City. Need help or a repair? Schedule an appointment today.