It just so happens I wrote an article for a newspaper here in Orange County California on safe snacks for kids with braces, so I thought I’d do a bit of re-writing for today’s column!  Afterall, I’m sure many of us here on fab40 have kids in the dreaded mouth gear!

"Brace" yourself-Halloween is coming!  

Now this holiday doesn't usually make people cringe in fear-but if your child wears braces, then goose bumps might well be raising along the back of your necks right now.  Your child, because they know that the Halloween goodies that are served and they crave are a big no-no.  And you, because you dread the arguments and the broken wires and brackets that will need to be repaired.

What can be done to make this October 31st a less scary and more "boo-tiful" holiday?

Irvine, California orthodontist John Moutsatson, DDS and his dental assistant Candy (this very nice lady wants to remain anonymous, but this really is her name!)  about how to bypass this frightening dilemma!

What kind of snacks do you suggest be served?

Here's our rule of thumb-if it's too hard, too sticky or too sugary-DON'T EAT IT!!  All of these items can cause the wires to bend and break or loosen the bonding that holds the brackets in place.  

Some of the worst foods are caramels, milk duds, mike and ike's, ice cubes, soda and even Gatorade.  Although-Propel is okay, it's sugar content is much less than most athletic drinks.

When the worst happens and a wire or bracket get damaged, call your orthodontist as soon as possible.  If it happens on a weekend, for the broken/bent wires, use your wax.  If the brackets come loose, brush extra carefully to keep the area clean.

When damage does happen, what is the result?

Believe it or not, even if it's just for a day or two-treatment takes longer, the repairs have to be made and you wind up  increasing the time the braces must be worn.  Kind of the "two steps forward, one step back" situation.

So what snacks would be okay to serve at this year's Halloween bash for those wearing braces?

We know that saying-serve nutritious things is enough to have most kids start shrieking worse than a werewolf, but it's true.  Outside of the obvious, try serving fresh sliced fruit, marshmallows, pound cake cubes, pretzel sticks, frozen yogurt or ice cream with granola.  Soft pretzels, soft cookies, sugarless gum are also good choices.  While nuts are usually thought of as a healthy snack-stay away from almonds, hazelnuts and other more dense varieties.  Cashews and peanuts are okay.  Cereal mixes are also popular and safe party foods.

Have some specialty sandwiches on hand or creatively shaped Jell-O molds.  Our favorites are ones in the shapes of  human hearts or brains!

On Wednesday-some last minute ideas for some truly ghoulish treats!