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Tricks and Treats for Kids with Braces

Home » Blog » Tricks and Treats for Kids with Braces

Every October, we begin to plan our costumes, bring out our decorations, and – since we are orthodontists – brace ourselves for the complications that come along with Halloween.

Each year, we find that Halloween candies combined with braces can become a bit of a nightmare. While there are limitations with metal braces, there are also so many ways to enjoy the holiday without compromising oral healthcare.

Not only is Halloween in October, but it is also National Orthodontic Health Month! To commemorate these two important celebrations, we have created a guide for better orthodontic health during this spooky time of year.

Beware: Candies And Foods To Avoid

While most of our patients know to avoid sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods, there are some foods and candies that come around this time of year that also need to be avoided:

  • Hard candies, including jawbreakers, Nerds, Lemon Heads, etc.
  • Sticky candies, including caramels, Milk Duds, gum, etc.
  • Chewy candies, including Laffy Taffy, Starburst, Tootsie Rolls, etc.
  • Foods such as popcorn, nuts, candy apples, etc.

When in doubt, ask your orthodontist! Your friends at Craig & Streight are always willing to offer advice and help you make good decisions for your or your child’s oral health.

Sweet Surprises

While candy is a common way to celebrate this time of year, there are also plenty of alternatives to enjoy! Trick-or-treating doesn’t have to be the only option for Halloween with your kids.

Here are some ideas for enjoying the season, without the harmful effects of candy and sugar:

  • Haunted houses
  • Corn mazes
  • Hayrides
  • Trunk or treats (where you can try to be more selective about the candy your child takes)
  • Apple picking
  • Pumpkin patches and pumpkin carving
  • Collecting Fall leaves
  • Making fun Halloween costumes together

If trick-or-treating is part of your family tradition, you can still have fun! There are several candies that are still okay for kids:

  • Smooth chocolates, such as Dove, Hershey’s, Ghiradelli, etc.
  • Chocolate candies, such as Reese’s Cups, M&Ms, Three Muskateers, Peppermint Patties, etc.
  • Seasonal favorites like candy corn

We recommend going through your child’s candy and scooping up anything that might be harmful for their braces. You can replace these candies with some of the suggested candies above; also, you can always hold onto these candies and reward your child with the candy once their braces come off!

Creeping Cavities

As always, remember to encourage your child to brush and floss regularly. Sometimes, it can be difficult to keep teeth clean with braces, but it is especially important during Halloween when a higher level of sugar is consumed.

Here are a few tricks to keeping teeth clean and cavity-free during Halloween:

  • For easy flossing, ask us about a floss threader. This tool can help get around braces and between teeth for maximum cleaning.
  • Brush twice per day, both above the bracket (along the gumline) and below the bracket for best tooth care.
  • Mouthwash can be helpful, as the liquid form can get around the brackets easily. Swish mouthwash around for a quick cleaning fix and for fresh breath!

Dressing Up Your Smile

Another perk of metal braces that our patients enjoy is adding color elastic bands to brackets.

Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season with our braces:

  • Black and orange for Halloween
  • Colors to match your Halloween costume
  • Colors to match your favorite football team

When your child comes in with his or her new colored bands, we can help remind your child how important it is to maintain good oral health! Regular appointments allow us to prevent any issues, while also reinforcing good habits for your child. We are here to help!

October Is For Orthodontists!

Celebrate Halloween (and, of course, Orthodontic Health Month) with Craig & Streight! We are here to answer any questions you have during this spooky, sugar-filled time of year.

With three Oklahoma City-area locations, we work with your busy schedule to find a time and place that is right for you. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your child with the care and maintenance of their metal braces.

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Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Ladan M.
We had a great experience. Professional and caring personnel and super amazing Dr. Straight made it an easy choice to work with.
Kelly P.
Just started my fourth kid in treatment today. No where else we would go…from the front desk gals, fresh coffee for this tired momma, the hygienist, the dentists…it’s always been a great experience. Wonderful staff making amazing smiles!!!
Artoya
Staff and the doctor were very friendly and they explained everything in detail.
David B.
Took my twin girls in for braces today and we had an amazing experience. The entire staff went out of their way to answer all of our questions and they were so sweet with the girls. The girls left with new braces and big smiles and I left with confidence in my desicion. I highly recommend them!
Melissa M.
We love Craig & Streight! They have always been so friendly and helpful!
Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Tiffany R.
The greatest staff and doctors! They made a challenging situation so much easier. Huge hearts, professional and went above and beyond. I’m so appreciative.
Response from the owner:Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to make a challenging situation more manageable for you. Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care, and it's heartwarming to know their efforts made a positive impact. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Vielje G.
Love the service, staffs are very friendly and approachable and always on point with their work.
Response from the owner:Hey Vielje. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing friendly and attentive service is what we strive for, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the great work!
Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Response from the owner:Hi Kari. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family are so pleased with the care your children are receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative environment, and it’s great to know that their efforts are making a positive impact. We appreciate your trust in us!
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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