Getting your child's first braces can be an exciting time for kids, especially for those with severely misaligned teeth. As orthodontists, we always recommend that children should get braces to help realign their teeth so they can have a healthy smile. However, the time, money, and limitations that come with braces can make it especially difficult for children who love sweets and candies. As Halloween comes around the corner, it can be disappointing for children with braces, but luckily we're here to help provide your child the happiest Halloween possible by further educating you about their braces, what candies they can enjoy and what candies to avoid this spooky season.

As exciting as it is the put-on costumes and plan out trick-or-treat routes, if you have a child with braces, then that means you'll most likely have to deal with the food restrictions that come with it. For children with braces, these devices are important because not only do they align teeth, they also help prevent the buildup of sticky plaque that occurs more frequently in children with misaligned teeth. Having this misalignment can cause problems for their oral health later on, and if you decided to get your child braces, then you're doing an amazing job at caring for their oral health!

However, Halloween can be a difficult time for kids with braces, as they'll most likely be able to enjoy many of the candies they love. To help you navigate through this time, here are some of the most common candies and sweets your children should avoid:

• Caramel Candies: Caramel candies are often the worst choice for your child's teeth, as they have the ability to stick to the molars and create sticky areas that are difficult to clean.
• Chewy Candies: Similarly, chewy candies such as taffies, licorice, and jelly beans are concentrated foods of sugar that can lead to cavities and brace problems.
• Hard Candies: On the other side of the candy spectrum, hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers can easily stick in between the teeth and inside the molars, especially when chewed on.
• Candies With Nuts: Nuts, despite their healthiness, can compromise braces and get caught in between the wires and brackets when combined with candies.
• Sugar Bubblegum Candies: Bubblegum is considered one of the chewiest, stickiest forms of cavity builders and should be avoided.
• While this is a long list of don'ts, we also have some recommended choices for your child to help them have a happy Halloween. Not all candies are limited, some of which include:
• Soft Chocolate Bars: Kit Kat bars, three musketeers, Hershey's bars, and Hershey's kisses are great choices for kids with braces because they're soft chocolates that won't damage their braces.
• Oreo Cookies: Oreo, milk's favorite cookie, is a great choice because these cookies are soft enough to not stick in between the molars and braces.
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Another Halloween classic, peanut butter cups are a great way to enjoy Halloween without harming their teeth.
• Baked Sweets: Chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are also great sweets to add to your ensemble this Halloween.

Make sure to reinforce good hygiene habits for your children, such as brushing, flossing, and scheduling your regular visits with your dentist, and have a safe, happy Halloween this year!