Worried your braces might ruin your Halloween fun? Spooky thought – but never fear! Enjoying good candy with braces is still an option. But first, avoid damaging your braces and risking your successful orthodontic treatment by learning which candy might loosen the brackets attached to your teeth.
Candies to avoid with braces
These candies may damage orthodontic appliances and can really set your orthodontic treatment back. Steer clear of:
Caramels
Taffy
Hard candy
Chewy candy
Jellybeans
Licorice
Bubble gum
Suckers
Sour candy
Popcorn
Nuts
Candies you can eat with braces
Softer, melt-in-your-mouth candies tend to be less risky when it comes to keeping your braces intact. Enjoy these treats in moderation:
Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
Peanut butter cups
KitKats
3 Musketeers
Marshmallows
Cookies
Be mindful, that in excess, candy of any kind can accumulate around your braces and lead to permanent white marks (decalcification), cavities or gum disease (gingivitis). Make sure to brush thoroughly around your braces especially after indulging in sugary snacks!
No need to miss out on the trick-or-treating fun but enjoy candy in moderation and snack wisely! If you do find a bracket not attached to the tooth, call your orthodontist as soon as possible to make an appointment to repair the loose bracket so your treatment is not delayed.
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Trust an AAO orthodontist
You can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – properly aligned teeth and jaws – and possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile. Find an orthodontist near you at https://aaoinfo.org/locator