In this blog, we’ll answer the common question, “What candy can I eat with braces?” As you might expect, we recommend limiting the sugary foods you consume, with or without braces. However, as a treat, you can enjoy them on occasion. Just be sure to rinse, brush, and floss your teeth afterward. See some tips about brushing with braces here. While you wear braces, some foods are best avoided. Unfortunately, they can get stuck in the wires and brackets. So, to avoid an emergency appointment, knowing which foods are safest is important. This year, the pandemic has made that holiday different. Thus, the CDC has recommended safe ways to enjoy Halloween and the holiday season. We hope you all have a great Halloween and holiday season. Keep in mind, this year, in particular, caring for your teeth and appliances is extra important.
Look Out For Candy in These Categories
Before you eat candy, ask yourself if it falls into one of these categories: Is the candy or other treat:
- HARD?
- CRUNCHY?
- STICKY?
- CHEWY?
- STAINING?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, these categories can be risky while you’re wearing braces. So, it’s best to avoid them until your braces come off. By sticking to this plan, your treatment will go faster and more comfortably. Then, you’ll be showing off a gorgeous new smile and can enjoy the foods you missed.
Foods that Stain
Some foods can stain brackets, particularly clear ones. Some foods that could stain braces or aligners:
- Beets
- Berries
- Curry
- Currants
- Mustard
- Tomatoes
- Soy sauce
- Grape juice
- Balsamic vinegar
- Some food coloring
Popular beverages like coffee and tea can also stain braces. So, be sure to rinse with water or mouthwash after if possible. When wearing braces, it’s important to clean after each meal.
What Candy Can I Eat with Braces?
Below are some softer types of candies and treats that will be safer to enjoy. Of course, it’s not a comprehensive list but to give you an idea.
- Kit-Kats
- Pixie Stix
- Malt Balls
- Soft cake
- Apple cider
- 3 Muskateers
- Jell-O and pudding
- Ice cream and yogurt
- Doughnuts and soft cookies
- Peeled thinly-chopped apples
- Soft cheese puffs (never popcorn)
- Milkshakes and Smoothies, Floats
- Peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces
- Soft cookies and cupcakes without nuts
- Soft peppermint patties and Junior Mints
- Smooth pure chocolate that melts in the mouth (Kisses, Hershey bars without nuts)
Does this list make you hungry? As you can see, there are lots of softer alternatives to enjoy while you wear braces. Soon, you will have the perfect smile you always wanted. Then, you can enjoy the foods that fall into the best-avoided categories again. See more in our recent blog about Braces-Friendly Foods.
Avoid These Candies
Below is a short-list of candies that may prove troublesome if you wear braces. Unfortunately, they can stick to wires and brackets, which can wind up causing an emergency. If you do have an emergency, see our emergency tips here. Treats to avoid with braces:
- Candy corns
- Tootsie Rolls
- Chewing gum
- Candied apples
- Caramel and taffy
- Skittles and Starbursts
- Lollipops and hard candies
- Popcorn, chips, hard pretzels
- Licorice, gummies, and jelly beans
- Jawbreakers (always a bad idea)
- Nuts (aside from soft, smooth peanut butter)
Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list, but merely to give you an idea of what to avoid. Just use the quick-check and ask yourself if it is Hard, Crunchy, Sticky, Chewy, or Staining? If so, find something else to enjoy.
We hope this has helped answer the question: What candy can I eat with braces?
Get the Best Treatment from Lasley Orthodontics
Lasley Orthodontics is your best choice for orthodontic care in the Renton, WA area. Whether you have braces, Invisalign, or other treatment, Dr. Andrew Lasley and the team love creating perfect smiles using the latest technologies. Call us at any time at 425 496 7030 for questions and concerns. To find out if you’re a candidate for braces or Invisalign, book a complimentary exam. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and news. Today, we’re taking extra steps to keep everyone safe.