What Kind of Candy Can You Eat With Braces? A Guide to Sweet Treats
The good news is that enjoying some candy with braces is still possible! The key is to choose options that are soft, non-sticky, and unlikely to damage your brackets or wires, while diligently maintaining good oral hygiene.
Understanding the Braces-Candy Dilemma
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to completely swear off candy. However, it does mean becoming more mindful of your choices. The brackets and wires that straighten your teeth create a multitude of tiny crevices where food particles, especially sugary substances, can get trapped. This increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even damage to the appliance itself.
The Enemy: What to Avoid
Some candies are simply off-limits when wearing braces. These typically fall into categories defined by their texture and composition:
- Hard Candies: Lollipops, jawbreakers, and similar hard candies pose a significant risk. Chewing on them can easily dislodge brackets or bend wires. Sucking on them for extended periods also exposes your teeth to a prolonged sugar bath.
- Sticky Candies: Caramel, taffy, gummy bears, and similar sticky treats are difficult to remove from braces. They cling to brackets and wires, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of decay.
- Chewy Candies: Starbursts, Skittles, and similar chewy candies share characteristics with sticky candies. They can become lodged in hard-to-reach places and are difficult to clean away completely.
- Candies with Nuts or Hard Pieces: Anything containing nuts, hard chocolate pieces, or other rigid inclusions can damage your braces. The added texture increases the force needed to chew and can easily break brackets.
The Friends: Safe(r) Sweet Options
Luckily, there are still candies you can enjoy in moderation while wearing braces. Focus on choices that are soft and easy to chew:
- Soft Chocolates (without nuts or caramel): Milk chocolate or white chocolate are generally safe, provided they don’t contain nuts, caramel, or any other potentially damaging additions.
- Peanut Butter Cups (with caution): These can be eaten carefully, but be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards, as the peanut butter can get stuck easily.
- Soft Cookies (with caution): Soft-baked cookies, especially those without hard sprinkles or nuts, are generally a better option than hard candies. Again, be sure to clean your teeth well afterward.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Regardless of the type of candy you choose, diligent oral hygiene is crucial.
- Brush thoroughly: Brush your teeth after eating candy, paying close attention to the areas around your brackets and wires. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly: Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Consider using a floss threader to navigate around your braces.
- Rinse with mouthwash: Use a fluoride mouthwash to help kill bacteria and strengthen your enamel.
- Schedule regular checkups: Continue to visit your orthodontist for regular checkups and cleanings.
A Quick Guide to Braces-Friendly Treats
The following table summarizes safe and unsafe candy options:
| Candy Type | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Chocolate | Yes | Avoid nuts, caramel, or other hard additions. |
| Peanut Butter Cups | Caution | Can be messy, rinse thoroughly after. |
| Soft Cookies | Caution | Avoid hard sprinkles or nuts. |
| Hard Candies | No | Can break brackets and expose teeth to prolonged sugar. |
| Sticky Candies | No | Difficult to remove and promotes decay. |
| Chewy Candies | No | Can become lodged in braces and are difficult to clean. |
| Candies with Nuts | No | Hard pieces can damage braces. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long after getting braces should I wait before eating candy?
It’s generally best to wait at least a day or two after getting your braces tightened or initially placed before indulging in any candy. Your teeth and gums may be sensitive during this period, and you’ll want to avoid putting extra pressure on them.
2. Are sugar-free candies safe for braces?
While sugar-free candies are better than their sugary counterparts in terms of cavity risk, you still need to be careful. Check the ingredients for ingredients that create stickiness. Even without sugar, sticky sugar-free candy can pull at your braces. Soft, sugar-free chocolate is a good choice, but be cautious.
3. Can I chew gum with braces?
Generally, it’s not recommended to chew regular gum with braces. The stickiness can damage the brackets and wires. However, some orthodontists may approve sugar-free gum designed specifically for braces. Always check with your orthodontist before chewing any gum.
4. What should I do if a bracket comes loose after eating candy?
If a bracket comes loose, contact your orthodontist immediately. Do not try to fix it yourself. They will schedule an appointment to reattach the bracket as soon as possible. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
5. Is white chocolate better than dark chocolate for braces?
Both white and dark chocolate are generally acceptable in moderation, provided they don’t contain nuts or other hard ingredients. The key is the texture and the presence of potentially damaging additions, not necessarily the type of chocolate.
6. How often can I eat candy with braces?
Minimizing candy consumption is always ideal when wearing braces. If you do indulge, do so infrequently and in small portions. Good oral hygiene is crucial after each indulgence.
7. What’s the best way to clean my teeth after eating candy?
Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires. Floss to remove food particles between your teeth. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Consider using interdental brushes to clean between brackets.
8. Can I eat ice cream with braces?
Ice cream is generally a safe option with braces, as it’s soft and dissolves easily. However, avoid hard candies or nuts as toppings. Also, be mindful of potential sensitivity to cold temperatures, especially after adjustments.
9. Are certain brands of chocolate safer than others?
The brand itself is less important than the ingredients. Look for plain soft chocolate without additions like nuts, caramel, or hard pieces. Read the label carefully before consuming any chocolate product.
10. Can I eat Halloween candy with braces?
Halloween candy can be tricky. Carefully sort your candy and discard any hard, sticky, or chewy options. Focus on the safe choices like soft chocolate and peanut butter cups (in moderation). Remember to brush and floss thoroughly after enjoying your treats.
11. Is it better to eat all my candy at once or spread it out over time?
It’s generally better to eat your candy all at once (within a reasonable timeframe) rather than spreading it out throughout the day. This minimizes the overall time your teeth are exposed to sugar. Remember to brush your teeth afterward.
12. Will eating the wrong candy ruin my braces treatment?
While eating the wrong candy won’t necessarily ruin your entire treatment, it can significantly increase the risk of damage to your braces, cavities, and gum disease. It can also prolong your treatment time if you need to have brackets replaced or teeth repaired. Choosing safe candies and practicing good oral hygiene is essential for a successful orthodontic experience.