Candy You Can Eat with Braces

March 26, 2025 admin

Braces are a fantastic way to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve your smile. However, if you or your child are wearing braces, maintaining proper oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods can be challenging. One common question that braces wearers often have is: What candy can you eat with braces?

When you have braces, you must be mindful of your candy choices. While sugary sweets may be tempting, some types of candy can damage your braces or cause discomfort. The good news is that there are plenty of candy options that are safe to eat with braces, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your orthodontic treatment.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of candy you can enjoy while wearing braces, why certain candies should be avoided, and how to keep your teeth and braces in optimal condition during your orthodontic journey.

Candies You Can Safely Eat with Braces

While it’s essential to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy candies, there are still many sweet treats that you can enjoy without risking damage to your braces or delaying your treatment. Here’s a list of braces-friendly candies:

Chocolate

Chocolate is generally a safe option for those with braces. In fact, it’s one of the best candies you can indulge in while wearing braces. Soft and smooth, chocolate doesn’t pose a risk to your brackets or wires. However, it’s essential to avoid chocolates with hard candies, nuts, or caramel fillings, as these can get stuck in your braces and cause issues.

Milk Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
White Chocolate

Soft Candies

Soft candies are an excellent choice for braces wearers. They won’t get stuck in your braces, and they’re gentle on your teeth and gums. Look for soft, non-sticky treats that are easy to chew and swallow without causing discomfort.

Gummy Bears (without sticking to the braces)
Fruit Snacks (without hard coatings)
Jelly Beans (without chewy centers)

Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar-free candy is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy sweet treats without worrying about sugar buildup around the braces. Sugar-free options are available in various flavors and are often softer than regular candies, making them more comfortable for braces wearers.

Sugar-Free Gummies
Sugar-Free Hard Candies
Sugar-Free Chocolates

Licorice (Soft Types)

Soft licorice is a safe option for braces wearers, as it’s easy to chew and doesn’t stick to your braces. However, you should avoid any licorice that’s hard or comes in thick, chewy ropes, as these can get caught in your brackets and wires.

Red Licorice (Soft)
Twizzlers (without chewy ropes)

Marshmallows

Marshmallows are a soft, airy treat that won’t harm your braces. These fluffy treats are gentle on the teeth and gums, making them a good candy option for those with braces. However, it’s essential to avoid large, hard marshmallows or marshmallow-filled candies, as they may get stuck in your braces.

Mini Marshmallows
Marshmallow Fluff

Ice Cream (Without Hard Toppings)

While technically not candy, ice cream is a sweet, cold treat that many braces wearers enjoy. Ice cream is soft and easy to eat, but it’s important to avoid hard mix-ins like candy chunks, nuts, or caramel. Stick to ice cream flavors without crunchy toppings, or enjoy them in a smoothie or milkshake form.

Candies You Should Avoid with Braces

While there are plenty of candies you can enjoy with braces, there are also several types you should avoid. These candies can cause damage to your braces, lead to discomfort, or increase the risk of cavities and other dental issues. Here are the types of candy you should steer clear of when you have braces:

Hard Candies

Hard candies are a no-go for braces wearers. They can break your braces or bend the wires if you bite down on them. The force needed to break hard candies can cause brackets to come loose or wires to snap, leading to costly repairs and treatment delays.

Lollipops
Jolly Ranchers
Candy Canes

Sticky Candies

Sticky candies, such as caramel, taffy, or toffee, are notorious for getting stuck in braces. These types of candy can adhere to your brackets and wires, causing difficulty in cleaning and leading to plaque buildup. Sticky candies can also cause discomfort when trying to remove them from your braces.

Caramel Candies
Toffee
Taffy

Chewy Candies

Chewy candies may seem harmless, but they can create problems for people with braces. These candies can pull at the braces, get stuck in hard-to-reach places, and cause discomfort. The longer you chew, the more likely the candy is to stick to the wires and brackets, making it harder to clean.

Gummy Worms
Chewy Fruit Snacks
Fruit Roll-Ups

Nuts and Nutty Candies

Nuts can be problematic for braces wearers because they are hard and crunchy. Biting down on hard nuts can cause brackets to break or wires to bend. Additionally, nuts can get stuck in the spaces between your teeth and braces, leading to plaque buildup.

Peanut Brittle
Nut Clusters
Trail Mix with Hard Nuts

Popcorn

Popcorn is another food that should be avoided with braces. The kernels can easily get stuck in your braces, leading to potential discomfort and difficulty cleaning your teeth. Even though popcorn is soft when popped, the kernels can cause damage if you bite down on them.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth with Braces

To keep your teeth and braces healthy while still enjoying your favorite treats, here are some helpful tips:

Brush and Floss Regularly: It’s crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene while wearing braces. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily to remove any food particles stuck in your braces.
Use a Water Bottle: Drinking water throughout the day can help wash away food particles and prevent plaque buildup.
Wear a Retainer After Braces: Once your braces are removed, wearing a retainer will help maintain your newly aligned smile.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly: Regular checkups with your orthodontist will ensure your braces are working effectively and that no issues arise from the foods you eat.

Conclusion

While wearing braces requires careful attention to your food choices, it doesn’t mean you have to give up candy entirely. There are plenty of sweet treats that are safe for braces wearers, such as chocolate, marshmallows, and sugar-free candies. However, it’s essential to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies, as these can damage your braces or lead to discomfort.

By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can continue to enjoy candy while maintaining a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. Always consult your orthodontist if you have concerns about specific foods or candy and remember to prioritize good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and braces in top condition.

ALSO READ: Can Popping a Gum Abscess Kill You?

FAQs

1. Can I eat chocolate with braces?
Yes, chocolate is generally safe to eat with braces. Just make sure it’s not mixed with hard candy or nuts that could damage your braces.

2. What type of candy should I avoid with braces?
Avoid hard candies, sticky candies, chewy treats, and nuts. These can cause damage to your braces and increase the risk of cavities.

3. Can I eat gummies with braces?
You can eat gummies, but only soft ones. Be sure to avoid any gummy candies that are sticky or hard to chew, as they can get stuck in your braces.

4. Can I eat marshmallows with braces?
Yes, marshmallows are soft and safe to eat with braces. Stick to mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff, as they are gentle on your braces.

5. How do I keep my braces clean after eating candy?
Make sure to brush your teeth after eating candy to remove any residual sugar and prevent plaque buildup. Flossing daily and using mouthwash will also help keep your braces and teeth clean.