Date updated: JAN 06 2023
With so many candy types, it can be difficult to know which types are safe for braces. Not to worry! We’re here to help answer some of the big questions we get about eating with braces, just in time for that candy!
Is it okay to eat candy with braces?
The good news is that the answer here is, “Yes! Absolutely!”. Braces are designed to minimally change your day-to-day life, other than giving you a beautiful new smile! That being said, with braces, there are certain candies that are safe to eat and other candies that you should avoid.
Let’s break it down so you can make sure that your life with braces continues to go as smoothly as milk chocolate (yum!).
What candy can you eat with braces?
There are still plenty of candies and treats you can eat while in braces this season! These are the soft, non-stick candies that won’t get stuck in brackets and won’t be popping brackets off or displacing anything. Some of the top-braces-safe treats include:
- Three Musketeers
- Peanut butter cups
- Kit Kat Bars
- Peppermint Patties
- Chocolate bars (no crackles or nuts!)
- Milkshakes
- Ice Cream
- Cookies (just be careful that there’s nothing hard hiding in them!)
When determining whether a candy or treat is safe to eat while in braces, ask yourself, “Will this get stuck in my braces or loosen a bracket?” If you answer “maybe”, then you can also ask “Will this be difficult for me to eat?”, whether that’s because it’s sticky, hard, etc. If you can answer “absolutely not!”, then that candy is for you!
What candy can you not eat with braces?
The key to candy with braces is to avoid the harmful ones and stick to the not-so-sticky ones! The good news is that, while in braces, there are many types of candy you can enjoy, while just avoiding the select harmful ones. Gooey, hard, sticky, and chewy candies can get stuck in your brackets or even pop one off!
Be careful not to get fooled by sneaky candy like M&M’s! You might think the soft chocolate is braces-safe, but the hard outer shell can easily damage your brackets or the enamel that protects your teeth from cavities.
Here are some candies to avoid with braces:
- Taffy
- Starburst
- Skittles
- Gum
- Jelly beans
- Caramels
- Hard candies
Remember, the best rule of thumb to determine which candies are braces-friendly is to ask yourself the question, “Will this get stuck in my braces or loosen a bracket?” If the answer is “yes”, then that is definitely a candy to avoid!
Why is it important to avoid certain candy while wearing braces?
Let’s discuss why it’s important to watch what you eat when you have braces. Certain candies can cause damage to your teeth or braces. Acidic treats can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth, and hard or sticky foods can get stuck in your brackets or cause one to loosen. Any time damage is done to your braces or teeth, it could cause your treatment to take longer than you and your orthodontist planned, and both you and your doctor want to see your new smile as quickly as possible!
So, by avoiding these certain candies and foods, you can help make sure that your treatment stays on track!
We hope everyone enjoys some delicious treats while keeping teeth healthy and braces happy!
