When it comes to eating candy with braces, it can be difficult to know what is fine to eat and what can cause damage to your braces. In this post, our Langley orthodontists share some types of candy that are safe to eat while undergoing treatment with braces, and what candy you should avoid.
Eating Candy With Braces
Although you will need to change your diet when you get braces, the good news is that there are still some types of candy that you can enjoy during your treatment. However, it is important to know which kinds of candy can negatively impact your braces, prolonging the treatment process and possibly adding to the cost.
You should also keep in mind that in excess, any type of candy can accumulate around your braces resulting in white marks (decalcification), cavities, or gum disease (gingivitis). Thoroughly brushing your teeth after enjoying any sugary snack is crucial, especially when you have braces.
Safe Candy Choices When Wearing Braces
Whether Halloween is right around the corner, or if you're just looking for a sweet treat, here is a list of candy that you can eat with braces:
- Reese’s Pieces
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- KitKats
- Soft cookies without nuts
- Plain or peanut butter M&Ms (NOT peanut M&Ms)
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars without caramel or nuts
- Ritz Bits mini crackers
- Cheez-It mini crackers
- Cheese puffs
Candy You Should Avoid If You Have Braces
If you are reaching for some candy, here is a list of some of the treats that you should absolutely refrain from eating:
- Taffy
- Chewy candies (Tootsie Rolls)
- Chocolate with caramel or nuts
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Jelly candy (jelly beans, Dots, Swedish fish, etc.)
- Nuts
- Gum
- Suckers
- Candy corn
- Hard candies (Nerds, Jolly Ranchers, etc.)
- Caramel apples
If you aren't sure if a specific candy is okay for you to eat, ask your orthodontist or err on the side of caution and just choose to avoid it.