Candy You Can Eat with Braces: The Ultimate Guide for Sweet Lovers
If you just got braces fitted or have an appointment scheduled soon, one of the things you might be worried about is your diet, particularly the candy you can eat with braces. Candy can be troublesome with braces; however, they offer great benefits for your smile. Moreover, some food items, especially candies can be detrimental by causing damage and extended time for adjustment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the candies you can eat without any damage to your braces and provide some tips for keeping your braces in good shape while satisfying your sweet tooth. So, for those who are wondering which braces friendly candies are safe to consume, this article is definitely for you.
Candy You Can Eat with Braces The Impact of Braces on Your Diet
Why You Need to Be Cautious with Candy and Braces
When you have braces, your diet requires some careful consideration. The brackets, wires, and bands are delicate and can be easily damaged by hard, sticky, or chewy candies. Eating the wrong types of candies can lead to:
Loose brackets or wires: Hard candies have the potential to break or loosen the brackets and wires of your braces which may need emergency dental visits to rectify.
Pain and discomfort: Chewy candies may get lodged in your braces which may lead to discomfort and pain.
Extended treatment time: Worn-down braces may result in delays in your orthodontic treatment.
Having knowledge of the types of candy that are ideal for braces wearers will help mitigate the above issues while relishing sweet treats.
Choosing Candy That Is Safe for Braces
Soft Candies Are Your Best Friend
While being treated with orthodontic devices such as braces, it is advisable to consume only softer types of candies that do not put too much strain on the braces. Soft candies are much easier to chew and will not get caught between the wires and brackets. This not only will maintain the integrity of the braces, but will also make the eating process more pleasant.
Look for Candies That Won’t Get Stuck
Caramel and taffy types of candies can cause problems due to them being overly sticky or chewy because they can get stuck to a person’s braces making them extremely difficult to properly clean one’s teeth. Do not purchase candies that you habitually consume that are attached to braces and can cause sticky residue buildup.
Consider Sugar-Free Options
Sugar-free confectioneries are additionally a good option. They satisfy one’s need for sweetness while lowering the risk of cavities. In addition, a lot of sugar-free candies are made with xylitol which helps promote oral health by reducing bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
Top Candies You Can Eat with Braces
Here are some of the best options of candies that can be eaten while wearing braces. These sugary indulgences with the right care are ideal for sweet lovers.
1. Soft gummy bears
Soft and sugar free gummy bears are best for brace wearers. They do not have the hard coating that would damage braces and are soft enough to not cause damage. For these gummy bears, sugar free options are encouraged to minimize the chances of cavities.
2. Chocolate without nuts
Chocolate serves as one of the best candies for brace wearers. Soft chocolate without nuts or other hard ingredients like caramel are best. Non-sticky chocolate bars are great as they provide taste without damage to the brace wires.
3. Lollipops (sugar free)
Bracers have another option in sugar free lollipops. Like the other options, these lollipops are also gentle on the braces and provide no ‘stickiness’ that would cause tension on the wires. Like the other sweet options, sugar free lollipops are great as the ‘once in a while treat’, but dental hygiene should be maintained after use.
4. Licorice (Soft)
Soft licorice is a type of sweet that may be consumed with braces, provided it is not overly hard or sticky. Its soft chewy nature is not overly strenuous on the brackets, and is easy to clean out of the braces. Avoid varieties containing artificial colors that may stain teeth.
5. Marshmallows (Plain)
Braces wearers may enjoy plain marshmallows, which are soft and squishy. Avoid varieties that are coated with caramel or sticky coatings that may interfere with braces.
6. Jelly Beans (Sugar Free)
Sugar free jelly beans are a good option for those fond of jelly beans, as long as the beans are soft and devoid of chewy coatings. These jelly beans are good for braces, and are not harmful to gums.
Candy Alternatives for Braces Wearers
Healthy and Tasty Alternatives
An assortment of healthy substitutes is available for those seeking alternatives to confectionery. Yogurt as well as granola bars can be both nutritious and delicious. Here are some of the alternatives:
Fresh fruit: Soft fruits such as apples (peeled), bananas and berries are perfect for the users of orthodontic appliances.
Yogurt with honey: Something sweet is offered in the form of plain yogurt with honey.
Smoothies: .A refreshing and delicious option can be a yogurt and soft fruits based smoothie.
Sugar-Free Candy Options
A wide selection of candies with no sugar content such as chocolate bars and chewy fruit-flavored gummies are available. The offered candies provide a sweet experience without the risk of dental caries, and they do not adhere to dental braces. Candy containing xylitol or erythritol as substitutes for sugar should be prioritized because they are better for the teeth.
What to Avoid When Eating Candy with Braces
While there are many candies you can enjoy with braces, there are also some that you should avoid at all costs. These types of candy can cause damage to your braces or lead to oral health issues.
1. Hard Candies
candies, for instance, lollipops, jawbreakers, and even candy canes are infamous for causing breaks to brackets and skewing wires. As they pose the greatest risk of damaging your braces, these candies should be completely avoided.
2. Sticky Candies
Gummy, taffy, and even caramel candy can lead to the worrying problem of plaque. Over time, the sugary residue stuck to your braces will lead to the formation of plaque which can lead to the risk of tooth decay and gum issues.
3. Nuts and Caramel-Filled Candies
The best example for this type of candy is the Snickers. Not only are they filled with caramel, they also boast of having nuts. Nuts are infamous for breaking brackets while the caramel gets stuck into the braces wires making the cleansing process hard.
4. Chewy Candies
Sour and licorice ropes are given as chewy candies. Similar to the other chewy candies, they also pose a risk of brace and gum damage. With the need of a great deal of chewing force, they can extract for a lot of discomfort while sticking to the braces.
Tips for Eating Candy Safely with Braces
Even when you choose safe candies for braces, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you don’t cause any damage to your braces or teeth:
1. Moderation is Key
While some candies are permissible, they should not be overindulged in. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to dental caries, and plaque buildup, especially without proper dental hygiene cleaning thereafter.
2. Remove Food Debris Immediately
Be sure to clean your teeth straight after candy consumption. In the case of braces, additional care such as flossing to remove food bits is critical.
3. Do Not Bite Down Too Much
While consuming soft candies, care should still be taken not to bite down too much. This especially holds true for patients with braces.
4. Regular check-ups with Orthodontists
Don’t forget to regularly check in with your orthodontist. If you tend to have problems with your braces such as loose wires or broken brackets make sure to book an appointment as soon as possible.
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Conclusion: Sweet Treats without the Worry
Undergoing orthodontic treatment does not mean that you have to forego your inclination towards candy. With the right choice of sugar, as well as adhering to certain rules, you can indulge in treats without jeopardizing your orthodontic treatment. You may consider consuming soft candies, unblemished chocolate, and sugar free chocolate, as such selections indulge your sweet cravings while braces remain unscathed.
Make sure to maintain good oral hygiene while consuming the braces safe candies that maintain oral hygiene as well. This means, no hard, sticky, or chewy candy which will only damage your braces. With the right guidance, the journey through braces can be far more entertaining, especially when rewarding yourself with treats to celebrate progress.
FAQs About Eating Candy with Braces
Q: Can I eat chocolate with braces?
A: Yes, you can eat chocolate with braces, but make sure it doesn’t contain nuts or caramel. Soft, smooth chocolate bars are the best option.
Q: Are gummy candies safe for braces?
A: Gummy candies can be safe if they are soft and sugar-free. However, avoid chewy varieties that might get stuck in your braces.
Q: How can I clean my teeth after eating candy with braces?
A: Brush your teeth thoroughly and use floss or an interdental brush to remove any candy pieces that might be stuck between your brackets.
