Some sweets could do more harm than good for children with braces.
Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, but not all treats are created equal. The scary truth is that Halloween can be a difficult time for children who wear braces. Some snacks do more harm than good, and the stickiest of sweets end up doing some heavy damage to braces that may even prolong the treatment. Parents can offer alternative treats for a more satisfying treat.
Fruit
While it is not a good idea for children with braces to bob for apples, parents can slice the apples into fine pieces before giving them to the children. Pair the apple slices with yogurt or a creamy chocolate sauce. Parents can also use fruits in a more creative way by making parfaits with vanilla pudding or yogurt and fruit cups for their children to enjoy.
Cupcake Sandwiches
Food Network personality Michael Chiarello developed a braces-friendly treat parents may want to try. This recipe is a homemade cupcake concoction using cocoa powder, mayonnaise, baker's sugar and other ingredients in a sandwich topped with an assortment of candies. By combining this simple recipe, parents can promote better health for their children's mouths and avoid the sticky and gooey traditional candies.
Store-Bought Candies
For those who are not well suited around the kitchen, many items in the candy aisle can still make great treats for children with braces. Among those sweets include candy pieces, chopped, peanut butter cups, melt-in-your-mouth candies and chocolate bars. All of these candies are less likely to get caught in the braces or damage the protective wear.
Candies to Avoid
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should avoid certain kinds of foods and candies that may potentially harm their dental devices.
"We recognize that kids will be kids, and they are going to eat sweets," says Dr. James E. Gjerset, president of the American Association of Orthodontists to Family Corner. "We certainly want them to consume treats that will not damage their braces. Some sweet treats may be permissible occasionally, but only if patients brush and floss right after eating."
Those foods to avoid include hard and chewy candies, caramel, nuts, licorice, taffy, jelly beans, hard pretzels, popcorn, taco chips, bubble gum and ice.
Parents may also want to pass out candies that are braces-friendly to trick-or-treaters to promote the importance of choosing sweets that are not so tough on the teeth.
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