National Orthodontic Health Month is Here!

Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month with us!

October brings lots of changes and new experiences…cooler weather, crackling leaves, cozy fires, and Halloween! For orthodontists across the country, October brings National Orthodontic Health Month and an opportunity to remind patients of some care and safety basics for their orthodontia.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has provided 4 ways to protect braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances for patients to keep in mind all year round.

Avoid Sticky Snacks

This includes hard candy, sticky foods, crunchy or chewy snacks, and candy. Bubblegum, taffy, caramel, gummies, and jelly beans can all become stuck in appliances and cause damage to orthodontia. Opt for a healthier alternative instead, such as fruit cut into bite- size pieces.

Hard Treats are a No No

Crunchy treats, such as tortilla chips, nuts, popcorn, and even ice are all foods that can cause traditional braces to break. Breaking the brackets or wires on braces causes damage to the appliances and requires an appointment to repair.

Make Sure to Brush

All the extra sweet stuff can cause cavities, so make sure to brush and floss regularly. When wearing orthodontia, patients need to be especially careful about brushing and flossing after every meal and after having a sweet treat. Braces wearers can ask their orthodontists about the right tools for caring for and cleaning their appliances.

Find an Alternative to the Sticky Stuff

Not all treats are off limits to orthodontic patients. Soft chocolates, peanut butter cups, and candies that don’t contain nuts are a good alternative for a sweet treat. Just make sure to follow the guidelines given by the orthodontist.

If all else fails, consider participating in the candy buy back program at our office. Barakat Orthodontics is participating in a candy buy back program in order to provide our patients with a fun, healthy alternative to the sugary treats that abound during the season. Bring your treats to anytime during business hours from November 1 through November 3, and we will make sure they go to a good cause and reward you with $1 a pound in the process!

Barakat Orthodontics wants our patients to have a fun and healthy Halloween! If you forget any of these tips and tricks and need to see us for any reason, contact us at 703-433-9330 for an appointment. We hope to see you soon!