What Candy Can I Eat with Braces?
Having braces doesn't mean you have to miss out on sweet treats. Many candies can be safely enjoyed with a little consideration for your orthodontic equipment. Here's a guide to which candies you can eat and which to avoid with braces.
Soft Candies
- Peanut butter cups: These are particularly soft and can be eaten with braces without risk of causing damage.
- Cookies: Soft, cake-like cookies are acceptable, but be cautious of hard or crunchy ingredients that could crack your brackets.
- Marshmallows: Softer marshmallows are easier to clean away from your braces than sticky candies, making them a better choice.
Minty Fruits
- Peppermint Patties: Mint-flavored treats are usually soft and can be eaten with brackets without issues.
- Fruit chews: Those made from fruit are soft and generally safe to eat, but be aware of any nuts or stickiness that could attract pests.
Chocolate
- Milk chocolate: Soft milk chocolate bars without nuts or caramel are fine to eat with braces. Break them into smaller pieces to minimize the risk of breaking your brackets.
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can positively impact heart health when consumed in moderation.
Cereal and Granola Bar Snacks
- Granola bars: Generally soft and not too sticky, these can be a good snack option.
- Cereal: While not soft, many types of breakfast cereal can be eaten with a small amount of cheese or nuts for texture without risk.
Candies with Nuts
- Tree nut-based candies: Avoid nuts in any form, including tree nut-based candies since they can easily get stuck in your braces.
- Peanut butter: A bit of creamy peanut butter can provide protein without the risk of getting sticky or causing damage.
Avoid These Candies
- Taffy: Sticky, chewy taffy can get caught in your braces or pull off brackets.
- Gum: Chewing gum can stick to your braces throughout the day, increasing the risk for bacterial growth.
- Caramels: Caramel is sticky and can adhere to your braces, making it difficult to keep your teeth clean.
- Jelly beans: Jelly beans are chewy and slippery, with a high sugar content that leads to rapid tooth decay if not managed properly.
- Popcorn: Most popcorns types have hard shells that are not suitable for braces wearers. Corn on the cob should also be cooked as it is more sticky. Some types of popcorn are safer for braces, but it can vary.
Oral Health Tips
While most candies can be eaten with braces, it's important to practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of decay or gum disease. Brush your teeth regularly and floss daily, and visit your orthodontist for regular check-ups., enjoying candy with braces is possible but requires careful selection of safer options. By avoiding risky candies and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can still enjoy your sweet snacks while keeping your teeth healthy and your orthodontic treatment on track.
FAQ
Q: Can I eat M&Ms with braces?
A: M&Ms can be eaten with braces, but be careful not to bite down on the hard chocolate shell.
Q: Is peanut butter good for braces?
A: Peanut butter is a good choice because it's soft and not sticky. Just be sure to brush and floss afterward to maintain good oral health.
Q: What candy is best for braces?
A: Chocolate bars without nuts or caramel, peppermint patties, and spun and powdered candies are generally recommended.
Q: Can I eat Pop Rocks with braces?
A: Pop Rocks can be eaten with braces, but avoid crunching them between your teeth and be mindful of the sugar content since they can contribute to cavity formation.
Q: What does it mean when your brackets are 'loose'?
A: If your brackets feel 'loose,' it means they are not securely attached to your teeth, and could be caused by candy that gets stuck in them or excessive decay. If this happens, contact your orthodontist immediately for an appointment.
Q: Do I need to brush after eating candy with braces?
A: Yes, it's necessary to brush and possibly use mouthwash after eating candy to rid your teeth of any remaining sugar particles that can attract bacteria and cause dental issues.
Q: Can I drink soda with braces?
A: While drinking soda with braces isn't recommended, some patients may find it acceptable if they do not sip it continuously through a straw and actively brush their teeth afterwards.
Q: What's the risk of getting a cherry stone stuck in my braces?
A: Cherry stones have the potential to get stuck in your braces due to their sticky nature. It's important to be cautious when eating cherries or any other fruit with seeds.
Remember, while some candies can be safely enjoyed with braces, moderation is key. Enjoy your sweets but also prioritize maintaining excellent oral hygiene and visiting your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments.
Contact Robison Orthodontics
With locations in Gilbert, AZ, and serving the surrounding areas, Robison Orthodontics is here to guide you through your braces journey. If you have any questions about candy or oral health, or if you need assistance with finding a qualified orthodontist, please feel free to contact us today. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a confident and radiant smile with the help of our experienced and professional orthodontists.
For more tips, news, and updates, follow us on social media or subscribe to our blog at www.robisonsmile.com.
FAQ
Q: Can I smoke with braces?
A: While some individuals may find it comfortable to smoke with braces, it is generally not recommended as the smoke can irritate your gums and potentially weaken the bond between your brackets and teeth.
Q: What's the best way to clean my teeth with braces?
A: Cleaning your teeth with braces requires a gentle approach. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush carefully at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Floss with a floss threader or tape to remove any food particles or debris that may be stuck. Rinse with mouthwash and consider using a Waterpik to ensure thorough removal of plaque.
Q: What's the difference between traditional aluminum and lingual braces?
A: Traditional aluminum braces are attached to the front of your teeth, while lingual braces are worn on the tongue side of your teeth. Both types require maintenance and are typically covered by insurance, but the cost and appearance may differ.
Q: What is the recovery time after braces removal?
A: The recovery time after braces removal varies from person to person, but most patients experience some swelling and tenderness in the days following the procedure. It's important to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions and take pain medication as prescribed to promote healing.
Q: Can I get Lasik with braces?
A: While lasik is a cosmetic eye surgery procedure that may correct visual impairments associated with having braces, it does not directly address the presence of metal brackets and wires on your teeth. Discuss potential benefits and risks with your eye surgeon or anorthodontist who specializes in orthodontic treatments.
Q: How often should I see my orthodontist?
A: It is recommended to see your orthodontist at least every six months during your treatment period to monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Sometimes appointments may be scheduled more frequently, depending on your specific treatment needs.
Q: Can I eat popcorn with braces?
A: While popcorn can be a nice treat, most types of popcorn should be avoided. Corn on the cob should be cooked appropriately. Certain types of popcorn, like microwave popcorn, tend to be drier and fluffier, making them safer for your braces.
