What Candy Can You NOT Eat With Braces?
Having braces significantly changes your eating habits, and candy is a prime area of concern. Certain candies can damage your braces, prolong your treatment, or cause painful issues. This guide explores which candies to avoid and offers alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What types of candy are especially bad for braces?
This is a key question many brace-wearers ask. The worst offenders are candies that are:
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Hard and chewy: Hard candies like lollipops, caramels, and taffy exert tremendous force on your brackets and wires, potentially causing them to break or become loose. This leads to extended treatment time and costly repairs. Chewy candies, like gummy bears or Starburst, also pose a risk by pulling on your braces and potentially dislodging them.
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Sticky and gummy: Sticky candies such as gummy worms, marshmallows, and caramel taffy are notorious for becoming stuck in your braces. This not only makes cleaning difficult, leading to increased plaque buildup and potential cavities, but also pulls on the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of damage.
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Extremely acidic: Highly acidic candies, such as sour candies, can erode the enamel of your teeth, even without braces. With braces, this is further exacerbated as the acid can be trapped against your teeth, leading to increased damage and potential staining.
What happens if you eat hard candy with braces?
Eating hard candy with braces can result in several unpleasant outcomes:
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Broken brackets: The force from biting down on hard candy can easily snap your brackets, requiring a trip to the orthodontist for repair.
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Bent wires: Similarly, the pressure can bend or break your wires, causing discomfort and potentially disrupting the alignment of your teeth.
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Loose brackets: Even if not broken, hard candies can loosen brackets, making them more susceptible to damage or falling off completely.
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Pain and discomfort: The pressure and potential damage can cause significant pain and discomfort in your mouth.
Are there any candies that are safe to eat with braces?
While many candies are off-limits, some softer options are generally safer:
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Chocolate (in moderation): Milk chocolate, in its softer form, is usually less damaging than harder candies. However, avoid excessively hard chocolate.
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Ice cream: Frozen treats such as ice cream are generally fine, but avoid extremely hard ice cream or ice pops.
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Smoothies: These are excellent options for a sweet treat.
Important Note: Even with safer candies, it's crucial to consume them in moderation and always practice diligent oral hygiene.
Can I eat gummy candies with braces?
As mentioned earlier, gummy candies are generally a bad idea due to their stickiness and ability to pull on your braces. Avoid them to prevent damage and maintain the progress of your orthodontic treatment.
What are some safe alternatives to candy while wearing braces?
There are plenty of delicious and brace-friendly alternatives:
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Fresh fruits: Apples (cut into smaller pieces), bananas, and berries are healthier and safer options.
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Yogurt: A good source of calcium and protein.
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Smoothies: A great way to get fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients.
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Other desserts: Consider softer alternatives like pudding or mousse.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial whether you're eating candy or not. Brushing and flossing regularly are vital for preventing cavities and keeping your braces clean. Always consult with your orthodontist about any concerns you may have regarding food choices and your braces. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific treatment plan.
