What Candy Can You Not Eat with Braces? A Guide to Safe Sweets
Having braces doesn't mean you have to give up sweets entirely, but it does mean you need to be much more selective about what you eat. Certain candies can wreak havoc on your orthodontic work, potentially causing damage to your brackets, wires, or even your teeth. This guide will help you navigate the sugary landscape and identify candies to avoid, as well as offer some safer alternatives.
Understanding the Risks:
Hard candies, chewy candies, and sticky candies pose the greatest threat to your braces. Here's why:
- Hard Candies: The force required to bite into hard candies can dislodge brackets or bend wires. Think hard candies, lollipops, and even some types of brittle toffee.
- Chewy Candies: These candies can get stuck in your braces, pulling on them and potentially causing damage. Examples include caramels, taffy, and gummies.
- Sticky Candies: Similar to chewy candies, sticky candies such as gummy bears, Starburst, and certain types of toffee can adhere to your braces and increase the risk of breakage or damage.
What types of candy should I avoid with braces?
This is a question many orthodontists get asked. The answer, unfortunately, includes many favorites. Let's break it down:
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Hard Candies: Lollipops, hard candies, jawbreakers, and even some breath mints. The sheer force needed to break them down puts extreme pressure on your braces.
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Chewy Candies: Caramels, taffy, licorice, and chewy fruit snacks. These pull and tug on your brackets and wires, leading to potential damage.
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Sticky Candies: Gummy bears, gummy worms, Starburst, and anything that sticks to your teeth. This can pull on your braces and trap food particles, increasing the risk of cavities.
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Ice: While not technically candy, biting on ice is extremely damaging to your braces and your teeth. The hardness of ice can easily chip or crack your teeth and break brackets.
What if I accidentally eat something I shouldn't?
Don't panic! If you accidentally eat something that's not ideal for your braces, it's not necessarily a disaster. However, it's important to monitor your mouth for any discomfort or loose brackets or wires. If you notice anything amiss, contact your orthodontist immediately.
What can I eat with braces?
You're not completely deprived of sweets! Just choose wisely. Softer candies, such as chocolate (especially milk chocolate), are generally safer. Remember, moderation is key, regardless of the candy's hardness. Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating anything sugary to help remove food particles.
Are there any candy alternatives?
Absolutely! Consider opting for softer treats like:
- Milk Chocolate: Avoid overly hard chocolates, but milk chocolate generally poses less of a threat.
- Ice Cream: A delicious and relatively safe alternative.
- Yogurt covered pretzels or raisins: Usually soft enough, but check for hard pieces.
- Fruit popsicles: A refreshing and healthier option.
How can I protect my braces while eating candy?
While you can’t always avoid all sweets, you can minimize the risk by:
- Cutting candy into smaller pieces: This reduces the force required to chew.
- Chewing carefully and slowly: This minimizes the stress on your braces.
- Eating candy sparingly: Less is always better.
Remember, protecting your braces is vital for a successful orthodontic treatment. If you have any doubts about a particular candy, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. Consult with your orthodontist for personalized advice regarding your specific case and dietary restrictions. They can provide more tailored guidance based on your individual needs and the type of braces you have.
