October is here, and we all know what that means—candy everywhere! But before you dive into that trick-or-treat stash, let’s take a moment to think about your braces. At Jolley Orthodontics,
Dr. Cameron Jolley wants to help you keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on track. While a little indulgence is fine, eating the wrong kinds of candy can be a real nightmare for your braces—and your teeth!
Why Candy and Braces Don’t Mix
Candy may be delicious, but it can spell disaster for your orthodontic treatment. Sticky, hard, or chewy candies (think caramels, taffy, and jawbreakers) can easily break brackets, bend wires, or even pull an appliance out of place. And you know what that means—longer treatment time!
When braces or appliances break, it disrupts the precise alignment process, which could result in having to wear your braces longer than planned. Nobody wants to hear that, right? So, it's important to avoid the candy traps that could keep you from getting that perfect smile as quickly as possible.
The Sneaky Side of Sugar
Even if you’re not wearing braces, candy isn’t doing your teeth any favors. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, producing acid that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities, especially when sugar sticks around on your teeth. If you have braces, sugar is even more difficult to clean off, leaving your smile more vulnerable to decay. And let's face it, you want those teeth to be in great shape when the braces come off!
National Orthodontic Health Month
In case you didn’t know, October is
National Orthodontic Health Month—just in time to help you make smart choices during candy season! It’s the perfect time to celebrate your journey toward a healthier smile and remind yourself of the importance of good oral hygiene, especially with braces.
Happy Halloween Smiles
Here are a few tips for celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month the right way:
- Choose braces-friendly treats: Opt for soft chocolates (without nuts), sugar-free candy, or healthier snacks like fruit and vegetables.
- Brush and floss regularly: With all the extra sugary temptations around, it’s more important than ever to stick to your brushing and flossing routine.
- Break out the water: Water helps wash away food particles and sugar, keeping your teeth a little cleaner between brushing.
A Healthy Smile is the Best Treat
While candy might seem like a fun reward, the real treat is a healthy, straight smile. Keeping your braces safe from harm and avoiding sugary overloads will keep your treatment on schedule, helping you get your braces off sooner rather than later. And that’s a sweet deal!
If you have any questions about which foods are safe for your braces or how to care for your smile during treatment, don’t hesitate to
contact us at Jolley Orthodontics. Dr. Jolley and the team are here to help you enjoy a candy-responsible October—and beyond!
Posted on 10/07/2024 at 02:37 PM
