Are you worried your braces might keep you from enjoying the sweeter things in life? Never fear! Enjoying good candy with braces is still an option. But first, avoid damaging your braces and risking your successful orthodontic treatment by learning which candy might loosen the brackets attached to your teeth.
In this guide, AAO breaks down which candy you can and can’t eat with braces. Read on to discover which sugary sweets to rush to and which are likely to crash your orthodontic treatment regimen.
Can I still eat candy with braces?
YES! Enjoying candy while wearing braces is still an option. BUT avoid damaging your braces and risk extending your orthodontic treatment by avoiding certain candy items. Broken brackets will require a trip to the orthodontist for repair, and multiple broken brackets can extend your time in braces.
Candies to Avoid with Braces
To keep it simple, you’ll want to avoid sticky items or items with kernels that can easily get stuck in your teeth. These candies may damage orthodontic appliances and can really set your orthodontic treatment back. Steer clear of:
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Hard candy
- Chewy candy
- Jellybeans
- Licorice
- Bubble gum
- Lollipops
- Sour candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
Remember, you are not off the hook if you drink sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, energy, and sports drinks. These drinks have added sugar, which causes decalcification (white marks) on teeth.
Candies You Can Eat with Braces
You are probably wondering what you can eat or drink. Actually, quite a lot. Softer, melt-in-your-mouth candies tend to be less risky when it comes to keeping your braces intact. Enjoy these treats in moderation:
- Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
- Peanut butter cups
- Kit Kats
- 3 Musketeers
- Marshmallows
- Cookies
Be mindful that excess candy of any kind can accumulate around your braces and lead to permanent white marks (decalcification), cavities, or gum disease (gingivitis). Make sure to brush thoroughly around your braces, especially after indulging in sugary snacks! If you find a bracket not attached to the tooth, call your orthodontist as soon as possible to make an appointment to repair the loose bracket so your treatment is not delayed.
Additional Tips to Enjoy Candy with Braces Responsibly
Maintaining your toothcare routine is crucial when you have braces. Even more so after you’ve just finished enjoying a sugary treat or soft drink., make sure you brush for two minutes, two times a day, with fluoride toothpaste with the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and decrease cavities. Switch to an electric toothbrush, which has been shown to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and debris that brushing alone can leave behind. Finally, rinse with a mouthwash containing fluoride to strengthen the enamel and decrease the volume of bacteria in the mouth.
Trust an AAO Orthodontist
You can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Remember, only orthodontists are experts in the orthodontic field and have the knowledge and experience to give you your best smile. At AAO, only certified and trained orthodontists are eligible for membership. Find an orthodontist near you!
