In this guide, Dr. Vahid Babaeian shares the best and worst candies for braces, along with tips to keep your teeth and orthodontic appliances in great shape.
Can You Eat Candy with Braces?
Absolutely! You can still enjoy candy while wearing braces—just with a little extra caution. The key is to choose treats that won’t harm your brackets and wires. Hard, sticky, or chewy candies can cause breakage, which means extra visits to the orthodontist and potentially a longer treatment time. Being mindful of what you eat will help keep your smile on track!
Candies to Avoid with Braces
To keep your braces intact and your treatment progressing smoothly, steer clear of these types of candy:
- Sticky or chewy candies (caramel, taffy, gummy bears, Starburst) – These can pull on brackets and wires, leading to breakage.
- Hard candies (lollipops, jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers) – Biting into these can crack brackets or even damage your teeth.
- Candy with nuts or caramel (Snickers, peanut brittle, Tootsie Rolls) – These can easily get stuck in braces and are tough to clean off.
- Popcorn and popcorn-flavored candy – Kernels can lodge between teeth and braces, causing discomfort and potential damage.
- Sugary drinks (soda, sweet tea, energy drinks, sports drinks) – These can lead to enamel damage and white spots on teeth.
Safe Candy Options for Braces
The good news? There are still plenty of sweet treats you can enjoy without worrying about damaging your braces. Some safe options include:
- Soft chocolates (Hershey’s bars, Reese’s cups, Three Musketeers) – These melt in your mouth without harming brackets.
- Peanut butter cups – A delicious, braces-friendly alternative to nut-filled chocolates.
- Marshmallows – Soft and easy to chew without pulling on braces.
- Pudding, Jell-O, and yogurt-based treats – Sweet and safe for orthodontic appliances.
- Ice cream (without hard mix-ins) – A smooth and satisfying treat that won’t cause trouble.
Pro Tips for Enjoying Candy with Braces
Even with braces-friendly candy, it’s essential to maintain a strong oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush after indulging. Sugary residue can build up around brackets, leading to cavities and white spots. Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use an electric toothbrush. It helps remove plaque more effectively than a manual toothbrush.
- Floss daily. Flossing with a threader or orthodontic floss picks helps remove trapped food particles.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash. This strengthens enamel and reduces bacteria in the mouth.
- Schedule regular orthodontic checkups. If a bracket comes loose, contact your orthodontist right away to prevent delays in treatment.
Trust Brace Connection for Expert Orthodontic Care
At Brace Connection, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Dr. Vahid Babaeian and our expert team specialize in orthodontic care, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible treatment. We provide personalized care and expert guidance to help you maintain your braces and keep your smile on track.
Have questions about your orthodontic treatment? Contact Brace Connection today!