Originally Published: October 22, 2015 | Last Updated: October 22, 2025
Halloween in Johnson City doesn’t have to mean skipping the treats just because you have braces!
Whether you’re trick-or-treating in downtown Johnson City, attending fall festivals in Kingsport, or celebrating at community events in Bristol, you can still enjoy plenty of delicious candy without damaging your braces.
Our team at Sturgill Orthodontics wants to help you have a fun, safe Halloween while protecting your orthodontic treatment.
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Halloween Treats That Are Safe for Braces in Johnson City and Bristol
Good news: you don’t have to avoid all candy this Halloween! Here are treats that are gentle on braces and won’t interfere with your treatment:
Soft Chocolates
- 3 Musketeers bars
- Milky Way
- Hershey’s bars
- Peanut butter cups (like Reese’s)
These melt-in-your-mouth options are perfect for anyone wearing braces in Johnson City or throughout the Tri-Cities area.
Other Braces-Friendly Options
- Ice cream and milkshakes
- Soft cookies and brownies
- Pudding cups
- Soft pretzels (not the hard, crunchy kind)
- Yogurt-covered treats
- Plain chocolate M&Ms (avoid peanut M&Ms)
- Kit Kat bars
- Twix bars
Halloween Candy to Avoid With Braces
While many treats are safe, some Halloween favorites can damage your brackets, wires, or bands. Our Johnson City orthodontists recommend avoiding:
Sticky & Chewy Candy
- Caramel (including Milk Duds and caramel apples)
- Taffy
- Starburst
- Tootsie Rolls
- Gummy bears and gummy worms
- Licorice
- Jelly beans
- Skittles
- Laffy Taffy
- Sour Patch Kids
- Dots
These sticky treats can pull brackets off your teeth or get stuck in hard-to-clean places.
Hard & Crunchy Candy
- Jawbreakers
- Hard pretzels
- Candy corn
- Lollipops and suckers
- Popcorn (especially caramel corn)
- Nut-filled candy bars (Snickers, PayDay, peanut M&Ms)
- Jolly Ranchers
- Nerds
- Butterscotch candies
- Peppermints
Hard candy can crack or break your brackets, potentially extending your treatment time.
Other Items to Skip
- Bubblegum (even sugar-free)
- Candy with nuts
- Candy apples
Meanwhile, during your time in braces, Sturgill Orthodontics stresses the avoidance of any treats that are sticky, crunchy, chewy, or hard, as these substances could damage your braces’ wires and brackets. Some examples of these harmful sweets include:
- Caramel
- Jelly Beans
- Gummy Bears
- Candies with Nuts
- Licorice
- Starburst
- Candy Corn
- Popcorn
- Bubblegum
- Taffy
- Hard Pretzels
What to Do If You Eat the Wrong Thing
Accidents happen, especially during Halloween festivities in the Tri-Cities! If you bite into something you shouldn’t have:
- Check your braces – Look for any loose brackets or broken wires
- Brush and floss thoroughly – Remove any stuck candy
- Call our office – If something breaks, contact Sturgill Orthodontics in Johnson City right away at (423) 528-8859
We’re here to help with any orthodontic emergencies that might pop up during the Halloween season.
Halloween Care Tips for Braces
Before Trick-or-Treating
- Eat a good meal so you’re not tempted to overindulge in candy
- Pack your orthodontic wax in case a bracket starts irritating your mouth
- Bring a small bottle of water to rinse your mouth between treats
During the Festivities
- Sort your candy when you get home and set aside braces-friendly options
- Consider trading sticky or hard candies with siblings or friends for safer treats
- Remember that moderation is key – even safe candy should be enjoyed in reasonable amounts
After Halloween
- Brush your teeth thoroughly after eating any treats
- Floss carefully around your brackets and wires
- Consider using a water flosser to remove stubborn candy particles
- Rinse with water after snacking to help prevent sugar from sitting on your teeth
Learn Proper Brushing Techniques With Braces
Fun Halloween Alternatives in Johnson City and the Tri-Cities
Looking for ways to enjoy Halloween beyond just candy? Johnson City and the surrounding Tri-Cities area offer plenty of braces-friendly fun:
Local Trunk-or-Treat Events
Many churches and community organizations throughout Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and the surrounding areas host trunk-or-treat events where families can trick-or-treat safely in parking lots. Popular locations include:
- Various churches throughout Washington County
- Community centers in Elizabethton, Jonesborough, and Gray
- School parking lots and civic organizations
These events often feature decorated car trunks, games, and activities beyond just collecting candy.
Other Halloween Activities
- Halloween festivals at local parks
- Costume contests (show off your smile!)
- Pumpkin carving competitions
- Fall activities at local farms
- Haunted houses and corn mazes
- Downtown Johnson City Halloween events
These activities let you celebrate without focusing solely on candy.
Why Choose Sturgill Orthodontics in Johnson City?
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we understand that holidays and special occasions are important to our patients. That’s why we provide:
- Expert guidance on protecting your braces year-round
- Same-week appointments if you have a Halloween candy emergency
- Four board-certified orthodontists serving Johnson City, Bristol, and Norton, VA
- Flexible treatment options including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign
We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kingsport, Elizabethton, Jonesborough, and Gray.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween and Braces
Can I eat chocolate with braces?
Yes! Soft chocolate that melts easily is one of the safest Halloween treats for braces. Stick to options like chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, and soft chocolate candies.
Are M&Ms okay with braces?
Plain chocolate M&Ms are generally fine since they have a thin candy shell and soft chocolate inside. However, peanut M&Ms should be avoided due to the nuts, which can damage brackets.
Can I have lollipops if I don’t bite them?
Technically yes, if you let them dissolve slowly without biting or crunching. However, the longer sugar sits in your mouth, the higher your cavity risk. It’s better to choose chocolate that you can enjoy quickly and then brush your teeth.
What about caramel apples with braces?
No, caramel apples should be avoided completely while wearing braces. The caramel is sticky and can pull off brackets, and biting into a hard apple can also break them. If you’re craving something similar, try soft apple slices (cut thin) with a chocolate drizzle instead, or enjoy plain soft chocolate as a safer alternative.
What if my teeth are sore after a recent adjustment?
If you recently had an orthodontic adjustment and your teeth are tender, stick to extra-soft options like ice cream, milkshakes, or soft cookies. Avoid anything that requires significant chewing, even if it’s normally braces-safe.
Is it okay to have just a little bit of the “bad” candy?
We strongly recommend avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy candy completely during your treatment. Even “just one piece” can damage your braces, potentially requiring an emergency visit and extending your treatment time. It’s not worth the risk when there are so many braces-friendly alternatives available!
What about sugar-free candy?
Sugar-free candy can be better for preventing cavities, but you still need to check if it’s hard, sticky, or chewy. Sugar-free gummies or taffy can still damage your braces, while sugar-free chocolate is typically safe.
Can I eat candy with Invisalign?
Yes! One of the advantages of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners to eat candy. Just make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in to prevent cavities.
What happens if my bracket breaks on Halloween?
If your bracket breaks, don’t panic. Call our Johnson City office at (423) 528-8859 as soon as possible. We’ll schedule an appointment to repair it quickly so your treatment stays on track.
How long after eating candy should I brush my teeth?
Ideally, brush within 30 minutes of eating candy to prevent sugar from sitting on your teeth and around your braces. If you can’t brush right away, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Can I have candy corn with braces?
Unfortunately, candy corn is too hard and sticky for braces. It can pull off brackets or get stuck in your wires. Choose softer alternatives instead.
What if my child wants to trade candy with friends?
Trading candy is a great option! Your child can swap any hard or sticky treats they received for braces-friendly alternatives like chocolate bars or soft cookies.
Visit Our Johnson City Office
Have questions about Halloween treats and braces? Our team at Sturgill Orthodontics is here to help!
Johnson City Office
801 Sunset Dr., Suite E5
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 528-8859
Hours:
Mon – Wed: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thur: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
We also serve patients at our Bristol office and Norton, VA location.
Have a Worry-Free Halloween — Book Your Visit
People come from everywhere to see us!
Our Johnson City office is super easy to get to, which is why we see patients from all over!
Whether you’re in Jonesborough, Gray, Boones Creek, Kingsport, or hanging out in Elizabethton or Erwin, we’re just a quick drive away. We love seeing ETSU and Milligan students (we get your busy schedules!), and honestly, if you’re anywhere in the Tri-Cities area, you can grab a free coffee at our office while getting your smile checked out by our team.
Don’t see your town listed? No worries! We help patients from all over Northeast Tennessee — if you can make the drive, we’d love to see you!