Easter is one of the most exciting holidays on the calendar, thanks to the opportunity to enjoy plenty of sweet treats. Plus, there are all kinds of fun and exciting events! No matter whether you go to an Easter Egg roll or a hayride, you can be sure your kids will probably come home with a basket full of surprises.
Of course, you might wonder …
“What Easter treats are okay with braces?”
Well, there’s good news! As long as you remember to brush and floss, you can enjoy almost all of the favorite Easter treats. That’s true for kids, teens, and even adults who might be getting orthodontic care with metal braces. A fun-filled Easter is still in store – there are just a few things you’ll need to remember.
Popular Easter Treats to Avoid if You Have Braces
1. Jelly Beans
Jelly beans are #1 on the list of potentially troublesome Easter candy. There are two problems with them: They are too hard on the outside and too sticky on the inside. Biting down on them could cause a bent bracket, and as they disintegrate in your mouth, they leave a sticky, sugary residue that can be tough to clean off braces.
2. Chewy and Sticky Candies
Candies like Starburst and Sour Patch Kids are also troublesome at Easter. They get stuck in every nook and cranny of the teeth. Plus, they can slip into places in your braces that other foods can’t. If a piece of candy is pinned between your teeth and braces, for example, it can quickly cause a cavity. Yikes!
3. Hard Candies
Hard candies can be found throughout the year. Outside Easter, they’re the cause of many – if not most! — braces problems. Yes, many braces issues can be fixed at home, but it’s best not to have to. Avoid caramel, nougat, licorice, and especially nuts. They can cause cracked teeth and leave shards in hard-to-reach areas!
Do I Still Need to Be Careful if I Have Invisalign Aligners?
If you have Invisalign® aligners, it’ll be a lot easier to avoid orthodontic problems from Easter candy. Since you can remove clear plastic aligners any time you need to, they won’t get damaged. Still, it’s important to chew carefully and brush your teeth soon after every meal. That’s the ticket to a healthy smile!
Also, remember that you should keep your aligners in for most of every day. To make sure taking them out has no effect on the treatment timeline, be sure you spend only about an hour with them taken out. That’s a fine way to pace yourself while enjoying Easter goodies, too!
The Best Easter Treats You Can Still Have with Braces
1. Most Chocolate Candies
Most chocolate candies are safe for dental work. The softer they are, the better! If you’re unsure if a chocolate is soft enough, simply let it melt for a while before you bite into it. If you get a chocolate assortment box, make certain you don’t choose any with nuts or caramel in the middle. It’s that simple!
Popular brands like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, and Cadbury Creme Eggs are great choices for Easter if you have braces. Seasonal M&Ms are a good choice, too, since the candy shell breaks and melts easily. And, yes, the traditional big chocolate bunny is usually safe. Plus, there are allergy-friendly versions now!
2. Most Soft Baked Goods
Baked goodies are often also a big part of Easter celebrations with friends and family, and you can’t go wrong with 99% of them. Fresh cookies are soft right out of the oven, and chocolate chips are melty, too. Cakes are great, and most pies will work – just be sure you know what you’re biting into. Avoid Georgia-style pecan pie until your braces are ready to come off!
3. Marshmallow Peeps
They’re available in more colors and flavors than ever, and now is the best time of the year to enjoy them. Just be sure you chew slowly so as not to pull on your braces. It’s a wise idea to brush your teeth right afterward since sugary Peeps can fuel the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Remember, Easter Is Full of Surprises – It’s Not Just About Candy!
Remember, there are lots of different ways to make Easter special. The Easter Bunny (or a clever parent) doesn’t have to stop with food! Consider leaving small toys or other non-edible surprises that will make Easter more memorable. And, after a great holiday, make some time for the orthodontic care you deserve.
Set your consultation today to get started with Beauchamp Orthodontics.
