At Dr. Richard E. Boyd Orthodontics we ask kids and adults in our practice with braces to avoid many of their favorite Easter candies that are hard, sticky, chewy, and high in sugar in order to protect their braces. Jellybeans are an Easter favorite and can raise havoc with brackets and wires. Here are three tips to make kids of all ages feel included by filling their Easter baskets with braces-safe candy and treats.
Chocolate
- Because chocolate is soft, it’s safe for kids with braces, especially the hollow bunnies…as long as they don’t eat too much of it and brush their teeth thoroughly after eating. Avoid chocolate with nuts, raisins, caramel or other chewy or sticky ingredients; stick to the traditional chocolate bunnies and eggs, M&Ms, and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups or eggs.
Baked Goods
- Baked goods such as decorated cupcakes and brownies are a safe choice if nut free. Try recipes with reduced-sugar cupcakes by replacing part of the sugar in a recipe with a sugar substitute; this will help make the cupcakes better for kids with braces, but keep some of the taste and texture of regular baked goods. Write “Happy Easter” or draw Easter designs on the cupcakes using icing, but not too much, to avoid the added sugar.
Non-Edible Treats
- Who says Easter Treats must be edible? Why not replace some of the unacceptable candy with other treats, such as gift cards, books, nail polish, or CDs. If you have children who don’t have braces, make sure the balance of treats is the same in all the baskets; to avoid problems when one child gets a $10 gift card and a CD and the other just gets heaps of jelly beans.
Whatever you choose to do when Easter rolls around next week… our Team at Boyd Orthodontics hopes you to enjoy the fun!
Let us know if you have other great Easter ideas to share with our patients so we can pass it on. Leave a comment below or post on Facebook..
