Halloween can be orthodontic nightmare

BOSTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. orthodontist says she and some of her colleagues see more emergency visits at Halloween than at any other holiday.

Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling says Halloween can be scary for mom and dad too when a child wearing metal braces costing between $4,500 and $7,000 reports a wire is broken or a bracket is bent from Halloween candy.

Although one reason orthodontists see emergency visits significantly increase during Halloween is damage caused by stick-to-the-teeth candies and gum, other party staples associated with the holiday -- such as bobbing for apples and pizza, crusts, in particular -- can wreak Halloween havoc on braces.

Increased candy consumption during Halloween should spur brace-wearers to be extra vigilant about brushing, rinsing and flossing, Fulop-Goodling advises.

Be sure to remove pieces of candy or treats that can get stuck in braces and between teeth, because if not removed, this debris can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, Fulop-Goodling said.