Halloween

Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr.Kennell and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing is essential in maintaining good oral hygiene. While in orthodontic treatment you want to make sure you're brushing after every meal and flossing daily. We understand that during the month of October Halloween is a commonly celebrated holiday. We won't want you to miss out on this fun so listed below are braces friendly candy.

• Hershey’s Chocolate Bar
• Hershey’s Kisses
• Peppermint Patties
• 3 Musketeers
• Kit Kat

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jellybeans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum

National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Kennell and other dental professionals in Laconia, NH.

And of course, if you ever have any questions feel free to give us a call at the office or ask at your next appointment.

Rule of thumb is, if you're unsure about being able to eat certain foods or candy. We will ask that you bring it into the office so Dr.Kennell can try said food or candy himself. He will then let you know if it's braces friendly or not!!

These candies may damage orthodontic appliances and can really set your orthodontic treatment back. Stay away from candies such as;

• Caramels
• Taffy
• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Jellybeans
• Licorice
• Bubble gum
• WarHeads
• Popcorn

Candies you can eat with braces include;

Softer candies that don't require the force of biting down hard, and more of the candies that will melt in your mouth.

• Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
• Peanut butter cups
• KitKats
• 3 Musketeers
• Cookies

Make sure to brush thoroughly around your braces especially after indulging in sugary snacks!
No need to miss out on the trick-or-treating fun but enjoy candy in moderation and snack wisely! If you do find a bracket not attached to the tooth, call your orthodontist as soon as possible to make an appointment to repair the loose bracket so your treatment is not delayed.

Five orthodontic-friendly recommendations by the Lakes Region's Orthodontist, Dr. Alan Kennell

October is National Orthodontic Health Month. And each October, thousands of kids have one thing on their mind: Halloween candy!  For orthodontists, the Halloween season is all about helping patients avoid potentially sticky situations.

October is the perfect time of year to learn about orthodontic health and how an orthodontist helps patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Besides, everyone knows that Halloween candy can give any orthodontist a scare!

The Lakes Region and White Mountains orthodontist, Dr. Kennell of Kennell Orthodontics, offers these five timely tips to help protect braces, aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” while protecting teeth from decay.

1. Let sticky foods RIP. If it’s hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy, stay away! Avoid caramel, taffy, bubblegum, licorice, gummies or any snack that can damage brackets or wires. Also, be sure to say “boo” to hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).
2. Choose “spooktacularly” soft foods. Opt for soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.
3. Dare to take extra care. Sweets can cause cavities, which is why brushing and flossing are even more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing immediately after eating sugary or starchy foods.
4. Set yourself up for success. Kennell encourages parents to keep acceptable treats on hand to substitute for “off limits” candies for trick-or-treating.
5. Commit to oral health. Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success – and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break wires.

“We want kids to have fun on Halloween,” says Dr. Kennell. “And there’s no need to feel left out. Patients are free to enjoy acceptable treats in moderation. The payoff is a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s always worth it in the end!”