For those with braces, avoid tricky treats

BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A U.S. orthodontist says Halloween tends to be one of busiest times of the year at orthodontists' offices because patients take liberties with treats.

At Halloween, people eat foods that can cause damage to their braces and potentially lengthen treatment time, according to Donald R. Joondeph, orthodontist and president of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontic patients should avoid "tricky treats" -- candies that are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy.

"Steer clear of the following treats, or recipes with these ingredients: caramel; hard and chewy candies; nuts; licorice; taffy; jelly beans; hard pretzels; bubblegum; popcorn -- including unpopped kernels; taco chips; and ice," says Joondeph.