What to Know About Candy During Ortho Month

Oct 20 , 2025

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about candy and appliances. At Monarch Dentistry, we see a spike in broken brackets and bent wires every October because many treats are not orthodontic friendly. We want our patients to enjoy the season without setting their treatment back or causing discomfort.

Braces are strong, but they are not built to handle hard or sticky foods. Chewy candies like caramel, toffee, taffy and gummy worms attach to brackets and can pull or twist wires. Hard candies, nut brittle and jawbreakers can crack brackets or even damage enamel. Every time a bracket breaks or a wire bends, the treatment timeline extends and visits become more frequent than needed.

Aligner patients have a different challenge. Even though aligners are removable, sugar can get trapped between the aligner and the teeth if patients put trays back in too soon after eating. This creates a warm enclosed space where bacteria thrive. The Canadian Dental Association advises that food particles left under appliances increase the risk of decay, staining and gum irritation. Removing aligners before eating candy is important, but so is brushing or rinsing before placing them back in.

Safer alternatives exist and still allow families to enjoy the holiday. Plain chocolate or peanut butter cups are easier on braces because they melt quickly and do not stick. Marshmallow based treats, soft cookies and certain baked goods are also less likely to cause damage. With aligners, enjoy your treat first, then rinse, brush when possible and then replace your trays.

We also encourage families to treat Halloween like a scheduled occasion instead of grazing. Enjoy candy after dinner when saliva production is naturally higher. Saliva helps neutralize sugar and reduce acid exposure. Drinking water after sweets also makes a big difference. If brushing is not available, swishing with water is still helpful.

Parents and teens who are serious about finishing treatment on time can make a short list of safe sweets ahead of Halloween night. This sets expectations before the candy arrives and reduces disappointment or impulsive snacking. When you get home from trick or treating, go through the candy together. Pull aside anything that could break or stick to braces.

This is also a good month to review elastic wear, retainer habits and aligner discipline. Orthodontic care requires consistency. Candy may be the temptation, but routine is what keeps progress steady. If brackets break or aligners are worn less often in October, the effects show quickly.

At Monarch Dentistry, we look at Ortho Month as a reminder to protect the investment you are already making in your smile. A little planning can save appointments, avoid discomfort and prevent delays. You do not need to skip the season to stay on track. You only need to choose wisely and clean well after enjoying a treat.