Ask Dr. Moles: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

For moms and dads worried about kids going overboard on sugar and other sweets, we know Halloween can be a dreaded annual event.

Dr. Moles and our team at Moles Orthodontics will tell you those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities!

Sour and fruity candy are the worst for your child’s teeth – these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. This Halloween season, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him rinse his mouth with water afterward or have him drink some milk or eat some cheese. Or, try these braces-free Halloween treats!

Happy Halloween!

Boo!

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means lots of tricks and treats! Dr. Moles and team will be wearing costumes for Halloween tomorrow in our Milwaukee office, which is decorated with giant spider webs, and pumpkins! We have a few special safety tips to share with all of the young trick-or-treaters and their parents.

Always inspect your candy thoroughly, in these times we live in you can never be too careful. Throw out any candy that has been unwrapped, opened or tampered with. Parents should be inspecting the candy before their children have a chance to even eat it.

There are many different kinds of candies out there, but it is important to pay attention to the type of candy your children are eating, especially if they have braces! Soft candies, such as Reese's peanut butter cups, Milky Ways, and anything that is really soft is okay, but anything sticky, tacky or too chewy should be avoided. Patients should avoid- thick caramel, licorice, gum, chewy candy, candy apples, popcorn and popcorn balls, nuts and taffy's.

If you have any questions about candies and braces, give us a call at 414-377-4106.

Have a spooky and safe Halloween!