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Candy that's off Limits for Braces
If you or your child just got braces, there are certain types of candies you need to be wary of. Although this can be frustrating, it's for the benefit of your overall orthodontic health, as candy could damage your braces and keep them from being completely effective. Here are the types of candy that are off-limits for braces:
Hard candy
The biggest danger with hard candy is that it can bend or break the wires and brackets on your braces, which will result in an unexpected and costly trip to the orthodontist. This type of candy can also break into small pieces, which will get stuck in between your braces and cause build-up.
M&Ms/Skittles
These small, circular candies can be problematic because they are small enough to fit under your wires, especially when they've been chewed up. In extreme circumstances, this could cause your bracket to pop off.
Sticky candy
Any kind of sticky candy, like Laffy Taffy or Airheads, is also a no-go while your braces are on. These candies can get stuck in your teeth easily and are very difficult to get off. Their high sugar content can also lead to serious tooth decay, so it's best just to avoid them.
Toffee
Toffee combines some of the problematic aspects of the other candies mentioned here. It starts out hard, which means it could get stuck under your bracket or even pop it off. However, once it's chewed, it starts to become soft, which means it could stick to your teeth and wires. This is another candy to avoid at all costs.
In addition to avoiding these candies, it's also important to practice good dental hygiene when you have braces. This means brushing and flossing your teeth multiple times a day to make sure nothing gets stuck in your teeth and that plaque doesn't build up. Yes, braces can be frustrating on candy-centric holidays like Halloween, Easter, or Valentine's Day, but it will benefit you in the long run. Your braces are what's going to give you the straight, shiny teeth you are looking for.