Posted on September 29, 2023
After having your metal braces put on, you were probably given a long list of foods to avoid. Most dentists and orthodontists discourage frequent consumption of candy in general, but when you’re wearing metal braces certain types of candy can be downright damaging. Regardless, it’s important to still enjoy the little things in life, so avoiding candy completely shouldn’t be the only option. Let’s look at some candies you can enjoy occasionally while wearing braces.
Yes, there are some types of candy you can eat while wearing braces. However, you should remember that all sugary foods need to be kept in moderation to avoid tooth decay. This is especially true while wearing braces because it’s even more difficult to keep teeth properly cleaned when wearing braces. Some of the candies and treats you can have in moderation would include softer candy that isn’t sticky such as a Three Musketeer or a peanut butter cup.
According to Humana, over 4 million people in the U.S. wear braces. There are a lot of candies that you cannot have while wearing braces. The reason you should avoid these types of candies is that they can damage the orthodontic appliance. They can break brackets and pull parts of braces off such as the wiring. You should avoid taffy, chewy candy, caramels, candy apples, jerky, nuts, popcorn, gum, hard candy, suckers, jelly candies, and hard crunchy chips.
If you damage your braces, you’ll need to have repairs done which can cost you valuable time and money and even slow your progress. You might also cause yourself pain or injury. If you pull a wire loose on your braces it might poke you in the mouth or a bracket shifting and breaking can rub against your gums causing irritation.
If you do indulge in candy, you need to make sure you brush your teeth immediately after eating them. Even when safe for braces, certain types of treats will still leave a lot of residue, debris, and sugar in your mouth which can lead to tooth decay. Regardless of what you choose, you should always remember that candy should only be eaten in moderation. If you’re in need of orthodontic services, please contact us today!