Everybody loves Halloween except dogs and orthodontists

Sparta — Sparta Orthodontist Anna Patras, like her professional colleagues, does her share of brace repair, but no time of year compares with the brace repair she does following Halloween. Ah, Halloween. The holiday kids love because of all that candy and dentists hate, for exactly the same reason. At least if their patients wear braces. Halloween can be a scary time for your teeth advises Patras. “Don’t get into a sticky situation with your braces. If it’s sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy, it’s a food that should be avoided if wearing braces or retainers,” said Patras. Most of the damage involves broken brackets, loose bands, and broken arch wires. Excessive damage seems to occur from candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers, gum, and taffy and just about anything with caramel and or nuts in it. Patras advises her patients to pass on the damaging Halloween loot for softer, more brace-friendly treats. “Good alternatives for people with braces include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other types of melt-in-your-mouth varieties,” said Patras. “Eating the wrong food whether it’s candy or not can harm teeth and braces.” For younger children Patras suggests limited time spent digging into the Trick or Treat bag or that pre-Halloween bowl of candy at home. Attending or hosting a Halloween party where parents have control over what snacks are served is one alternative to trick or treating. Trading candy for cash is another tactic that may grab an older child’s attention. “Regular brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. People with braces should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing often for that BOO-tiful smile,” said Patras.