Halloween is one of the sweetest times of the year—but if your child has braces, not all treats are created equal. Sticky, chewy, and crunchy candies can damage brackets and wires, which may mean extra trips to the orthodontist. Don’t worry—there are still plenty of safe and tasty options that let your kiddo enjoy the fun without risking their smile.
Candies to Avoid with Braces
Certain treats can cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend, which delays orthodontic progress. The biggest culprits are:
- Sticky candies like caramels, taffy, or gummy bears
- Chewy treats such as licorice and tootsie rolls
- Hard or crunchy candies like lollipops, jawbreakers, or popcorn balls
- Anything with nuts that can break brackets or get stuck in wires
Braces-Safe Candy Choices
The good news? Your child doesn’t have to miss out! There are lots of orthodontist-approved, braces-friendly candy options that are soft, easy to chew, and just as delicious:
- Chocolate bars (without nuts or caramel) – Think plain milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or soft-filled chocolates.
- Peanut butter cups – Soft and braces-friendly when eaten in moderation.
- Peppermint patties – Smooth and easy to enjoy without the sticky mess.
- Powdery candies like SweetTarts or Pixy Stix – They dissolve easily and won’t damage brackets.
Why Candy Choices Matters When You Have Braces
When your child is wearing braces, certain foods can cause brackets to pop off, bend wires, or get lodged in tight spaces. This can lead to soreness, pain, or unexpected visits to the dentist.
Even small pieces of caramel or gummy candy can pull on brackets and make it harder to keep teeth clean. That’s why understanding which sweets are safe—and which are not—is such an important part of braces care.
Tips for a Healthy Halloween Smile
- Encourage your child to enjoy their treats in one sitting instead of snacking all night.
- Have them brush and floss right after eating candy to keep sugar from lingering on their teeth.
- Keep water nearby to help rinse away sugars between treats.
And lastly, our cleanings and prevention visits are designed to keep kids’ teeth healthy throughout orthodontic treatment—especially during candy season!
At Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics, we want your little ghouls and goblins to enjoy the holiday and keep their orthodontic treatment on track. With the right candy choices, Halloween can be both fun and braces-friendly.
Have Extra Halloween Candy? We’ll Take It!
Every year, all Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics locations buy candy from kiddos as a way to help promote healthy teeth and give back to the community. Here’s how it works:
- Bring your child and their unopened Halloween candy to any Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics office.
- Receive $1 per pound (up to 5 lbs) of candy.
- We’ll donate all collected candy to a local charity to spread kindness in our communities.
It’s a fun way for kids to share the Halloween spirit, protect their smiles, and help others—a total win-win!
