Braces Friendly Halloween Treats

This season, there are plenty of spooktacular treats you can enjoy while still taking proper care of your braces. Orthodontists say to steer clear treats that are sticky, hard, or crunchy to avoid damaging your braces and teeth. So, instead of reaching for caramel-covered apples, bubble gum, or toffee, try one of these tasty, braces-friendly alternatives.

Pre-Packaged Halloween Treats That Are Good and Bad for Braces

For pre-packaged treats, opt for goodies that melt in your mouth or are soft to limit the chances of breaking a bracket or wire. Candy like peanut butter cups, Hershey Kisses, and Sweet Tarts are always great options. Kit-kats, Three Musketeers, and Nestle Crunch, and cream-filled cupcakes or cake rolls are other good alternatives; just be sure to avoid candy bars that have caramel or nuts hidden in them.

Hard candies, such as lollipops, where pieces can break off and get stuck in your braces aren’t a good option. Be sure to also avoid anything overly chewy or hard like Rice Krispie treats, peanut brittle, or licorice. If autumn gives you the hankering for candy-covered apples, go for apple cider instead for that delicious apple flavor.

Homemade Braces-Safe Halloween Treats

If you’re looking to get a little more creative in the treats you are either enjoying yourself or making for others who have braces, here are a few fun and easy recipes to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Chocolate Covered Boo-nanas
All sugary treats have the potential to lead to cavities. If you opt for treats that have minimal added sugar, like these chocolate-covered “boo”-nanas, you’re reducing the risk of damaging your braces and extra sugar and potential cavities that can lead to a lot of pain and further expenses. This healthy-ish alternative to typical Halloween treats is plenty festive and fun to make. Feel free to get creative with decorating your banana treats, like drizzling chocolate over your banana to make mini mummies.

Ghost Meringue Cookies
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier to make for a Halloween party, try something different this season with this recipe for ghostly meringue cookies from Barley & Sage. These little monsters will melt in your mouth and look lovely on a serving platter.

Pumpkin Cake Pops
For the perfect on-the-go fall treat that is festive and delicious, try your hand at making pumpkin cake pops. The best part of these adorable cake pops, other than how tasty they are? No trip to the pumpkin patch is required!

Veggie Jack-o-lanterns
If sweets don’t do the trick for you, here’s something a little more savory. Try your hand carving out a jack-o-lantern from a bell-pepper and filling it with dip and veggies to make this healthy after-school snack. These fun and filling treats can reduce the sugar you consume this month to keep both you and your smile healthy.

If your orthodontist has asked you to stay away from crunchy raw veggies, small pretzels or soft pita bread are also delicious with dip.

No matter which tasty treat you want to indulge in, be sure to stay on top of your daily braces care, including brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day. If you give into temptation and a sticky treat gives you grief, call your orthodontist sooner rather than later to minimize any damage that could be done to your braces or your smile.

Have a safe and healthy Halloween!