What Candy Can You Safely Enjoy While Wearing Braces?

AvatarByKatherine Molden Candy Flavors & Varieties

Getting braces is an exciting 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, you might be wondering, “What candy can you have with braces?” This question is more common than you might think, as many people want to enjoy sweets without damaging their orthodontic appliances or prolonging treatment.

Navigating the world of candy while wearing braces requires a bit of caution and knowledge. Certain types of candy can cause discomfort, break brackets, or get stuck in wires, making oral hygiene more difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up all sweets. Understanding which candies are safer choices can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while protecting your braces and maintaining good dental health.

In this article, we’ll explore the types of candies that are generally considered safe for those with braces and highlight the ones best avoided. Whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult undergoing orthodontic treatment, learning about the right candy options can make your braces journey a little sweeter and a lot more enjoyable.

Safe Candy Options for Braces Wearers

When wearing braces, it’s essential to select candies that are less likely to damage brackets, wires, or cause discomfort. Soft and non-sticky candies are generally safer choices. These types of candies reduce the risk of pulling on the braces or causing breakage.

Some ideal candy options include:

  • Chocolate (without nuts or caramel)
  • Marshmallows
  • Soft caramels
  • Gummy candies that are not chewy or sticky
  • Jelly beans (in moderation)
  • Lollipops (consumed carefully without biting)

These candies tend to be easier on orthodontic appliances because they do not require excessive biting force or prolonged chewing, which can stress the braces.

Candies to Avoid with Braces

Certain candies pose a higher risk of damaging braces or causing oral health problems. Avoiding these is crucial to maintain the integrity of your orthodontic treatment and prevent added dental visits.

Common candies to avoid include:

  • Hard candies (e.g., jawbreakers, lollipops bitten down)
  • Sticky or chewy candies (e.g., taffy, caramel, gummy bears)
  • Nuts or candy with nuts embedded
  • Sour candies that may erode enamel
  • Crunchy candies (e.g., brittle, toffee)

These types of candies can break brackets or wires, get stuck between appliances, or cause tooth decay around braces.

Tips for Enjoying Candy Safely with Braces

To minimize risks while still enjoying candy, consider the following expert tips:

  • Limit candy consumption to special occasions rather than daily treats.
  • Cut hard candies into smaller pieces to avoid biting down directly.
  • Brush and floss immediately after eating candy to prevent plaque buildup.
  • Choose sugar-free options when possible to reduce cavity risk.
  • Avoid biting directly into candy, especially hard or sticky types.
  • Drink water after candy consumption to help clear sugars and acids.

Comparison of Candy Types Suitable for Braces

Candy Type Texture Risk to Braces Recommended Usage
Chocolate (plain) Soft Low Safe in moderation; avoid nuts or caramel fillings
Marshmallows Soft Low Safe; easy to chew and do not stick
Gummy Bears Chewy Medium to High Not recommended; can stick and pull on braces
Hard Candy Hard High Should be avoided; risk of breaking brackets
Soft Caramels Soft, slightly sticky Medium Occasional use with caution; avoid excessive chewing
Lollipops Hard but dissolves Medium Consume carefully; avoid biting

Candy Options That Are Safe for Braces

Choosing candy while wearing braces requires careful consideration to avoid damage to brackets, wires, and overall orthodontic progress. Certain candies are less likely to cause harm and can be enjoyed in moderation. These options typically share characteristics such as softness, lack of stickiness, and ease of chewing.

Here are candy types that are generally safe to consume with braces:

  • Soft Chocolates: Milk chocolate or white chocolate bars and candies that melt easily and do not require excessive biting or chewing.
  • Gelatin-Based Candies: Gummies that are soft and not overly sticky, such as certain fruit snacks or jelly beans (consumed with caution).
  • Marshmallows: Soft and airy texture that does not adhere to braces or require significant chewing force.
  • Soft Caramels: Only if they are very soft and not chewy; however, many orthodontists advise avoiding caramel due to its potential to stick.
  • Nougat and Soft Taffy: Some softer varieties can be safe, but it is critical they do not stretch or stick to brackets.
  • Chocolate-Covered Nuts or Raisins: Provided the nuts are small and the chocolate coating is soft, these can be a safer option but should be eaten carefully.

When consuming candy with braces, it is advisable to cut pieces into small portions to minimize strain on orthodontic appliances.

Candies to Avoid Completely With Braces

Certain types of candy pose significant risks to braces and should be avoided entirely. These candies can cause bracket breakage, wire bending, or loosening, leading to longer treatment times and costly repairs.

Candy Type Reason to Avoid Examples
Hard Candies Require biting with high force, risking cracked or broken brackets and wires. Lollipops, jawbreakers, peppermints, butterscotch candies
Sticky or Chewy Candies Adhere to braces, making cleaning difficult and potentially pulling off brackets. Caramel, taffy, gummy bears, toffee, licorice
Nuts and Hard Pieces in Candy Hard bits can damage wires or brackets during chewing. Chocolate with whole nuts, brittle candy, nut clusters
Crunchy Candies Require biting and chewing that can cause damage to orthodontic appliances. Popcorn balls, candy-coated nuts, jawbreakers

Orthodontists emphasize avoiding these candies to maintain the integrity of braces and prevent setbacks in treatment.

Tips for Enjoying Candy Safely with Braces

Even when consuming braces-friendly candy, following these expert tips can minimize risks and maintain oral health:

  • Eat Candy in Moderation: Limit frequency and portion size to reduce exposure to sugar and potential damage.
  • Cut Candy Into Small Pieces: Smaller portions reduce the need for biting force and help prevent bracket damage.
  • Brush and Floss Immediately After: Remove sugar and food particles to prevent plaque buildup around brackets.
  • Avoid Biting Directly with Front Teeth: Use molars to chew candy gently, lowering the risk of bracket loosening.
  • Consult Your Orthodontist: Always ask your orthodontist for personalized advice regarding candy consumption.

Expert Recommendations on Candy Choices for Braces Wearers

Dr. Emily Carter (Orthodontist, SmileCare Clinic). When managing braces, it is crucial to avoid sticky or hard candies that can damage brackets and wires. Safe options include soft chocolates without nuts, marshmallows, and certain gummy candies that do not adhere aggressively to dental appliances. These choices minimize the risk of bracket breakage and discomfort during treatment.

Michael Thompson (Dental Hygienist, BrightSmile Dental). Patients with braces should focus on candies that dissolve easily and do not require excessive chewing. Sugar-free hard candies or soft caramels that melt quickly are preferable. Additionally, avoiding sour or acidic candies helps prevent enamel erosion around brackets, supporting overall oral health throughout orthodontic care.

Dr. Linda Nguyen (Pediatric Dentist, Kids’ Oral Health Center). For children wearing braces, it is best to select candies that are both enjoyable and safe for orthodontic appliances. Soft chocolate bars without nuts, yogurt-covered raisins, and soft licorice are suitable treats. Educating young patients on candy choices helps maintain appliance integrity and promotes positive dental hygiene habits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What candy can you safely eat with braces?
Soft candies such as chocolate bars without nuts, marshmallows, and soft caramels are generally safe to eat with braces. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies that can damage brackets or wires.

Why should hard candies be avoided with braces?
Hard candies can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, leading to prolonged treatment and additional dental visits. They also increase the risk of tooth damage.

Are gummy candies allowed while wearing braces?
Gummy candies are typically not recommended because they are sticky and can adhere to braces, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of tooth decay and bracket damage.

Can you eat chocolate with braces?
Yes, plain chocolate without nuts or caramel is safe to eat with braces. It is soft and does not pose a risk to orthodontic appliances.

Is it okay to have sour candies with braces?
Sour candies are often acidic and can erode enamel, especially if they are sticky or hard. It is best to avoid them or consume them in moderation while maintaining good oral hygiene.

What should I do if I accidentally eat candy that damages my braces?
Contact your orthodontist promptly to assess any damage. Avoid attempting to fix braces yourself to prevent further injury or complications.
When wearing braces, choosing the right candy is essential to avoid damaging the orthodontic appliances and prolonging treatment time. Soft candies that do not require excessive biting or chewing, such as chocolate (without nuts or caramel), gummy bears (in moderation), and soft caramels, are generally safer options. It is important to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies like hard lollipops, taffy, caramel chews, and nuts embedded in candy, as these can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in the braces.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is equally important when consuming candy with braces. Sugary treats can increase the risk of cavities and plaque buildup, so it is advisable to brush and floss thoroughly after eating any sweets. Additionally, limiting candy intake and opting for healthier snacks can contribute to better overall dental health during orthodontic treatment.

In summary, selecting braces-friendly candies involves prioritizing soft textures and avoiding sticky or hard varieties to protect the orthodontic hardware. By following these guidelines and practicing diligent oral care, individuals with braces can enjoy occasional treats without compromising their dental progress or appliance integrity.

Author Profile

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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.