National Orthodontic Health Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
October is National Orthodontic Health Month. A whole month dedicated to celebrating healthy smiles, learning about the benefits of orthodontic treatment, and the importance of good oral health. Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. It can also help in the long-term care of your teeth, gums and jaw joints. Orthodontics not only mean braces, there are various treatments that can be used to correct your bite depending on what your needs are.
Orthodontic Health Tips for the Halloween Season
For most children, October means another thing: Halloween candy. Our skilled doctors along with The American Association of Orthodontists have five dental tips to protect braces, aligners and other orthodontic appliances this Halloween season.
- Avoid sticky situations with your braces and aligners. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.
- Say no to hard treats – these can be hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels). And whether in orthodontic treatment or not, we advise that no one should ever chew ice.
- Brush up! Sweets can cause cavities, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially aware about brushing and flossing after indulging in sugary or starchy foods.
- Good news: Not all Halloween candy is off-limits. Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth sweets.
- Make a commitment to oral health. Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success – and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break braces.
Contact Us
In the event that something happens to your brackets or attachments please do not hesitate on giving us a call at 212-758-0040 so we can help you the best way possible. Happy National Orthodontic Health Month and Halloween season to all!
