Halloween is a favorite holiday among children due to the festive games, imaginative costumes, and candy. Modern celebrations stem from a combination of traditions from Pagan and Christian traditions throughout the centuries. The original holiday was called Samhain and derived from the ancient Druids of Ireland. In their belief system, November 1st marked the beginning of winter, and Pagans began their Samhain celebrations at sunset on October 31st.

Modern Celebrations of Halloween

Children and adults love dressing up for Halloween, and this tradition comes from the ancient belief in spirits. From sunset on October 31st until sunrise on November 1st, the souls of the dead entered the physical world. Some spirits were benevolent and wanted only to cross over to the afterlife while others harbored malicious intents of revenge and trickery. Pagans wore masks and disguised themselves so that the malevolent souls would mistake them as fellow spirits.

Families left food and ale outside of their doors to appease the spirits. With the rise of Christianity in Europe, the church encouraged its members to offer food and money to beggars. In exchange, the beggars would agree to pray for the family’s deceased loved ones. Eventually these traditions led to the development of today’s customs where children dressed up and received candy from their neighbors while circling the community.

Teeth-Friendly Treats

With all of the excitement and free candy on Halloween, it is easy to get carried away on a sugar high. Parents warn their children not to eat too many pieces in one night to avoid tummy aches and cavities. Our team at Rawle Orthodontics especially wants to remind children with braces to be extra cautious about the treats they eat because some varieties can get stuck in between the brackets and damage the devices. Sticky candy, such as caramels, fruit chews, and gum should be avoided when wearing braces. Children can trade with their friends and siblings to get only safe candies. The following list offers some alternative treats that children with braces can safely enjoy.

Solid chocolate, including milk, white, or dark
Nougat-filled candy bars, such as Three Musketeers
Candy-coated chocolates like M&Ms;
Powdery candy, such as Sweet Tarts or Pixie Stix
Mint-flavored candy
Malted milk balls
Cookies
Peanut butter crackers or cookies

When in doubt, children should call Dr. Christopher Rawle at (407) 692-1818 or visit Rawle Orthodontics to make sure If a specific candy is safe. Halloween is a fun holiday for children, and having braces does not have to take away any of the excitement from tasty treats.

Contact Us

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Our Blog

Rawle Orthodontics Thumbnail

Are Water Flossers Good for Oral Health?

Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators or water picks, can be beneficial for oral health when used properly. They are devices that use a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque, debris, and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. Here are some potential benefits of water flossers for oral health.
Read post
Rawle Orthodontics Thumbnail

Smile Bright: Taking Care of Your Braces During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and indulgence in festive treats. While you're busy celebrating and creating memories with family and friends, it's essential to remember that your braces require a little extra care to ensure they stay in top shape. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some helpful tips on how to take care of your braces during the holidays, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Read post

Contact Us

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Google "G" logo

270+ Reviews

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm

Friday: 8am - 12pm