It’s easy to get bummed about eating if you wear braces. If food gets stuck in or on your braces, it can be tough to remove. This makes you more prone to cavities. Some foods can even damage your orthodontia. You may really feel that way with a candy-centric holiday coming up this month. But don’t worry! It’s still possible to enjoy Halloween with braces.

Check out our list of treats to avoid and treats you can eat without worry while wearing braces. If you have any questions, talk to our orthodontist. If you need to schedule an appointment, call us today at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) .

Skip These Treats if You Wear Braces

The treats that are bad for braces are often problematic for other smiles too. They include:

  • Sticky Candy – This category includes taffy, gummies, caramels, Tootsie Rolls, and similar treats. The longer they remain in your mouth, the more likely they are to cause dental problems. They are often quite difficult to remove from braces and teeth, because they get stuck in nooks and crannies.   
  • Sour Candy – These candies contain lots of sugars and acids. It’s an especially damaging combination, because the acids weaken your tooth enamel and make it especially vulnerable to decay. 
  • Hard Candy – You risk damaging your braces when eating hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers. In theory, you can avoid damage by sucking on them instead of biting on them. But that’s not really a good idea, as it lengthens your exposure to the sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria. 
  • Popcorn – Hard kernels can damage your braces. 

Enjoy These Treats While Wearing Braces

Here are some better options for braces-wearers:

  • Chocolate – A chocolate treat is one of your best options. Chocolate melts quickly in your mouth and gets washed away with saliva. So it’s less likely to damage teeth or braces. You should avoid chocolate candy that has ingredients that can get stuck in or on your braces. One example would be a Butterfinger candy bar. Better choices are candy bars with soft fillings such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Junior Mints, and 3 Musketeers.
    Candy That Dissolves Quickly – You can also indulge in other candies that dissolve quickly in your mouth, like Pixy Stix or Fun Dip. (Just don’t crunch down on the stick.) These treats contain lots of sugar. So it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water right after eating and don’t wait too long before brushing. 
  • Marshmallows – They aren’t as gooey as some other soft candies, so it’s OK to enjoy marshmallow-based candy in moderation. So go ahead and have a Peeps or similar treat. 
  • Cheese or Corn Puffs – Instead of popcorn, you can get a similar taste with soft cheese or corn pups. They dissolve away readily, so shouldn’t 

If you experience any issues with your braces, despite our recommendations, call North Oaks Dental at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) for an appointment in our Royal Oak, MI office. You can also make an appointment online.