October is National Orthodontic Health Month, celebrated by Dr. Christopher Henry and Staff!

Halloween can be a scary time for teeth. Henry's Orthodontics offer these tips to keep teeth safe from decay, and protect braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” during the Halloween season:

Avoid sticky situations with your braces.
Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.
Also steer away from nuts, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).

Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat from the Halloween candy bowl, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to sweets that can cause cavities. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.