National Orthodontic Health Month Is Moving: Why October Is Still a Great Time to Focus on Your Smile
For years, October has been National Orthodontic Health Month. Promoted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), this campaign celebrates healthy smiles and the benefits of orthodontic care. This year brings a change.
In August 2026, the AAO announced it will move the observance to March, starting in March 2027. They will skip a formal national campaign this October to prepare.
At Lindenhurst Orthodontics, we think October is still a perfect time to put your smile first. School routines are in place, fall sports are underway, and Halloween candy is coming soon. These are great reasons for families to check their orthodontic health now!
Why Orthodontic Health Awareness Matters
Many people don’t know that crooked teeth can lead to health problems.
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they’re caught early. The AAO recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth helps the orthodontist find any developing bite issues.
Awareness is important for adults, too, as it’s never too late to get teeth straightened.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
A straighter smile looks nice, but orthodontic care offers more than an improved appearance:
1. Better Oral Health and Easier Hygiene
Crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to clean. Food and plaque can hide in tight spaces, escaping your toothbrush and floss.
Aligned teeth are easier to clean, lowering the risk of cavities and gum issues. A healthy bite also spreads chewing forces evenly, so teeth are less likely to wear down unevenly or chip.
2. More Confidence at Every Age
For teens, a confident smile can make a difference in class photos, sports, and daily social life.
Clear aligners like Invisalign make it simple to straighten teeth discreetly without visible braces. Adults and teens can easily manage this while balancing life’s other obligations.
3. Long-Term Dental Benefits
Fixing a bite problem now can help prevent bigger issues later. These can include too much tooth wear, jaw strain, or teeth that are harder to restore.
Early treatment for kids aged 7 to 10 helps guide jaw growth, which makes space for permanent teeth. It can also shorten or simplify future treatment.
How to Celebrate October Orthodontic Health in Lindenhurst
You don’t need an official campaign to celebrate healthy smiles! This month in Lindenhurst, many local events match well with important orthodontic tips.
Local Events with a Smile-Friendly Twist
- Lindenhurst Farmers Market (Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Village Square): Stock up on braces-friendly snacks. Soft fruits are great. Slicing apples and pears, rather than biting into them whole, helps protect braces.
- Halloween Family Fun Day (Saturday, Oct. 17, 1–3 p.m., Lindenhurst Village Park; rain date Oct. 18): Get a preview of the candy season ahead. See our orthodontic candy tips below!
- Unity Day (Wednesday, Oct. 21): October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The AAO backs this with its Bullying Bites campaign. Wear orange to show that no one should be teased about their teeth, braces, or smile.
- Trunk or Treat (Saturday, Oct. 24, 5–7 p.m., Village Square): A kid-friendly event for all ages. The Rotary Club Pups on Parade runs from 10:30 a.m. in the same spot.
- Kick-A-Thon Fundraiser (Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Fireman’s Pavilion, 555 Heiling Blvd.): This Tae Kwon Do event supports the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation. It’s also a good reminder that kids in martial arts and contact sports should wear a mouthguard, especially if they have braces.
Braces-Friendly Halloween Tips
Halloween doesn’t have to be off-limits for patients in braces. Avoid hard candies, lollipops, and sticky treats like caramel, taffy, or gummies. Also, skip anything with nuts or popcorn. Soft chocolates without nuts are a safer bet. Whatever you enjoy, brush soon afterward. Invisalign patients should remove their aligners before snacking.
Make This October Your Smile’s Season
Even though this year’s National Orthodontic Health Month will fall in March, the best time to invest in a healthy smile is when you’re ready!
If your child is approaching age 7, your teen has been asking about braces, or you’ve been thinking about straightening your own teeth, this fall is a great time to start the conversation.
Lindenhurst Orthodontics offers free consultations for children, teens, and adults. Dr. Nissenbaum will evaluate your smile, explain your options, from metal and ceramic braces to Invisalign and early treatment, and help you find a plan that fits your budget.
Ready to get started? Call us at (631) 225-8000 or request your free consultation online. We’re located at 221 N. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst and proudly serve families from Amityville, Copiague, Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip, Massapequa, and across Long Island. ¡Se habla español!
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation
Lindenhurst Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations to help you determine if treatment is right for you. During your visit, our team will assess your smile, review your options, and answer any questions you may have.
To book your consultation, please call us or fill out the form.
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