What Candies Can I Eat With Braces Without Damaging Them?

AvatarByKatherine Molden Candy Flavors & Varieties

Getting braces is a significant step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile, but it often comes with new challenges—especially when it comes to your favorite treats. If you’ve recently had braces put on or are about to get them, you might be wondering how your candy habits will change. After all, sweets are a beloved indulgence for many, and the thought of giving them up entirely can feel discouraging.

Navigating the world of candy with braces requires a bit of caution and knowledge. Certain types of candies can damage your braces or cause discomfort, while others are much safer to enjoy. Understanding which sweets are friendly to your orthodontic appliances can help you maintain your oral health without sacrificing all the joy that comes with a little sugary treat now and then.

In this article, we’ll explore the kinds of candies that are generally safe to eat with braces and those you should avoid. Whether you’re craving something chewy, crunchy, or chocolatey, you’ll find helpful tips to satisfy your sweet tooth while protecting your smile throughout your orthodontic journey.

Safe Candy Options for Braces Wearers

When you have braces, it’s essential to choose candies that won’t damage your orthodontic appliances or cause discomfort. Generally, soft, non-sticky, and less sugary candies are safer options. These types of candies minimize the risk of brackets breaking, wires bending, or getting gum irritation.

Some of the best candies to enjoy with braces include:

  • Soft chocolates without nuts or caramel, such as milk chocolate bars or chocolate truffles.
  • Marshmallows, which are soft and easy to chew.
  • Gelatin-based candies like gummy bears or jelly beans in moderation, since excessive stickiness can still pose some risk.
  • Soft caramels that are not overly chewy.
  • Fruit-flavored chews that are soft and non-sticky.
  • Ice cream treats with candy bits that do not require excessive biting.

It’s important to consume these candies in moderation and practice good oral hygiene afterward to prevent plaque buildup and decay.

Candies to Avoid with Braces

Certain candies can cause serious damage to braces or increase the risk of oral health problems. These should be strictly avoided until after your braces are removed:

  • Hard candies like lollipops, jawbreakers, and peppermints, which can crack brackets or bend wires.
  • Sticky candies such as caramel, taffy, gummy bears (if very sticky), and toffee, which can pull off brackets and get stuck around wires.
  • Chewy candies like licorice or fruit chews that can be tough on braces.
  • Crunchy candies like nuts or candy-coated chocolates, which can chip or dislodge orthodontic appliances.
  • Sour candies with a hard shell or excessive acidity that may erode enamel and weaken braces attachments.

Avoiding these candies helps maintain the integrity of your braces and prevents costly repairs or extended treatment time.

Tips for Enjoying Candy Safely with Braces

Even when eating braces-friendly candies, it’s important to follow best practices to protect your orthodontic treatment:

  • Cut larger pieces into smaller bites to reduce pressure on braces.
  • Chew slowly and carefully to avoid sudden force on brackets and wires.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating candy to wash away sugar and food particles.
  • Brush and floss thoroughly to prevent plaque buildup and decay around brackets.
  • Avoid prolonged sucking or chewing on candies to minimize exposure to sugars and acids.
  • Consult your orthodontist if you are unsure about a specific candy or snack.

By adopting these habits, you can enjoy sweet treats without compromising your orthodontic progress.

Comparison of Common Candy Types and Their Suitability for Braces

Candy Type Texture Risk to Braces Recommendation
Milk Chocolate Soft Low Safe in moderation
Hard Candy (e.g., lollipops) Hard High Avoid
Gummy Bears Chewy, sticky Moderate to High Limit intake; consume carefully
Caramel Sticky, chewy High Avoid
Marshmallows Soft Low Safe
Fruit Chews Chewy Moderate Use caution; prefer soft varieties
Sour Candy Varies (often hard or chewy) High Avoid if hard or sticky

Candies Safe to Eat With Braces

When wearing braces, it is essential to choose candies that minimize the risk of damaging brackets, wires, or causing dental issues. Certain candies are safer options because they are soft and do not require excessive biting or chewing force. Below is a detailed overview of candy types that are generally safe to consume with braces.

Soft candies that dissolve easily in the mouth or are chewy without being sticky are preferred. These types reduce the risk of getting stuck between braces and causing plaque buildup or breakage.

  • Chocolate (without nuts or hard inclusions): Smooth milk or dark chocolate melts quickly and is less likely to cause damage. Avoid chocolate bars with hard bits or caramel fillings.
  • Marshmallows: Their soft texture makes them easy to eat and unlikely to harm braces.
  • Soft caramels (in moderation): While generally sticky, very soft caramel pieces that dissolve easily can be acceptable in small amounts.
  • Gummy candies (only soft, non-sticky types): Some gummy bears or fruit snacks that are soft and non-sticky may be tolerated, but caution is advised.
  • Jelly beans: These can be safe if chewed carefully and not bitten directly.
  • Licorice (soft varieties): Soft licorice that does not stick to teeth or braces may be eaten sparingly.
Candy Type Texture Braces Compatibility Notes
Milk/Dark Chocolate Soft, melts quickly Safe Avoid nuts or hard fillings
Marshmallows Soft, fluffy Safe Low risk of damage
Soft Caramel Chewy, slightly sticky Conditional Consume sparingly; avoid hard caramels
Gummy Candies Chewy, variable stickiness Cautiously safe Prefer non-sticky types; avoid hard gummies
Jelly Beans Hard shell, soft center Conditional Chew carefully, avoid biting hard shell
Soft Licorice Chewy Conditional Choose non-sticky varieties

In addition to choosing the right candy, practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after consumption to prevent plaque buildup around braces.

Expert Recommendations on Candy Choices for Braces Wearers

Dr. Emily Hartman (Orthodontist, SmileCare Clinic). It is essential for patients with braces to avoid sticky and hard candies, as these can damage brackets and wires. Safe options include soft chocolates without nuts, sugar-free gummy candies, and melt-in-the-mouth sweets that do not require excessive chewing. These choices help maintain oral health while minimizing the risk of appliance breakage.

James L. Porter (Dental Hygienist, National Dental Association). When managing braces, it is important to select candies that do not leave residue or promote plaque buildup. Candies such as soft caramels or taffy should be avoided, whereas small pieces of licorice or marshmallows, consumed in moderation, are less likely to cause harm. Always recommend thorough brushing after candy consumption to protect enamel and orthodontic hardware.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Pediatric Dentist, Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry). For children and teens with braces, I advise choosing candies that are soft and easy to chew, such as chocolate bars without nuts or nougat, and avoiding anything crunchy or chewy like jawbreakers or gummy bears. These safer options reduce the risk of discomfort and orthodontic emergencies, ensuring treatment progresses smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What candies are safe to eat with braces?
Soft candies such as chocolate, peanut butter cups, and soft caramels are generally safe. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies that can damage brackets or wires.

Why should I avoid hard candies while wearing braces?
Hard candies can crack or break braces components, leading to prolonged treatment and additional dental visits.

Can I eat gummy candies with braces?
Gummy candies are not recommended because they are sticky and can pull on brackets or get stuck in the wires, increasing the risk of damage and decay.

Are sugar-free candies a better option for braces?
Sugar-free candies reduce the risk of tooth decay but still need to be soft and non-sticky to prevent damage to braces.

How can I enjoy candy without harming my braces?
Choose soft, non-sticky candies and consume them in moderation. Always brush and floss thoroughly after eating to maintain oral hygiene.

What should I do if a candy damages my braces?
Contact your orthodontist promptly to schedule a repair appointment and avoid further complications in your treatment.
When wearing braces, it is essential to choose candies that do not compromise the integrity of the orthodontic appliances. Soft, non-sticky candies such as chocolate, marshmallows, and certain gummy candies in moderation are generally safer options. Avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky sweets like caramel, taffy, hard candies, and gum is crucial to prevent damage to brackets and wires, as well as to maintain oral hygiene.

Maintaining a careful selection of candies helps reduce the risk of prolonged treatment time and additional dental visits due to broken braces. Additionally, consuming sugary treats in moderation and following thorough oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, are vital to prevent tooth decay and gum issues during orthodontic treatment.

Ultimately, understanding which candies are safe to eat with braces empowers patients to enjoy occasional treats without compromising their orthodontic progress. Consulting with an orthodontist for personalized recommendations further ensures that dietary choices support both oral health and the effectiveness of the braces.

Author Profile

Avatar
Katherine Molden
Katherine Molden is the founder of Crack Toffee, a blog dedicated to all things chocolate and candy. With a background in culinary arts and years of experience as a chocolatier, Katherine has always been passionate about sweets.

After working in the confectionery industry and perfecting her craft, she launched Crack Toffee in 2025 to share her knowledge with candy enthusiasts. Her blog offers expert tips, delicious recipes, and insightful articles, aiming to make the world of candy accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Katherine’s goal is to inspire and educate readers to explore the sweet side of life.