Types of Candy to Avoid When Wearing Braces

At any given time, approximately 4 million people in the United States are wearing braces. That’s a significant number of people working toward better tooth alignment and bite correction. If you’re one of them, you’ve likely been given a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for your braces—and your diet plays a big role in that care.

Among the biggest troublemakers? Candy.

Candies to Avoid With Braces

• Hard Candy:
  While sucking on hard candy may seem harmless, it actually bathes your teeth in sugar for long periods, increasing your risk of cavities—especially beneath your brackets, where brushing can be more difficult. Worse yet, if you bite into hard candy, you can break wires or dislodge brackets, potentially delaying your treatment.
• Soft or Sticky Candy:
  Don’t let the name fool you—soft candies like caramels, gummies, or taffy are just as damaging. These treats easily get lodged in your braces, increasing the likelihood of broken wires and leading to plaque buildup and decay under your brackets.

The Bottom Line

We know candy is tempting, but while wearing braces, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If you do indulge, be sure to brush your teeth right away and floss thoroughly to minimize potential damage.

Want more tips on how to protect your braces and keep your smile healthy during treatment? Give our office a call—we’re happy to help you make the best choices for your smile.