As the festive season rolls around, it’s natural for children—and adults—to look forward to indulging in holiday treats. If you or your child wears braces, you might be wondering whether sweets are off-limits. Fortunately, the answer is no—but with some important considerations.
Dr. Kothari, a trusted orthodontist serving Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, and Irvington, NY, encourages patients to enjoy their favorite seasonal sweets responsibly. To help you make informed choices, the team at 914 Orthodontics has prepared a detailed guide on what candies are safe to enjoy with braces—and which ones are best left off the menu.
Braces-Friendly Options: What You Can Enjoy
Chocolates That Can Be Eaten with Braces
Soft chocolate is one of the safest and most enjoyable treats for individuals with braces. Because it melts easily and doesn’t require hard chewing, it poses little risk to brackets or wires. However, avoid varieties that include hard nuts or sticky fillings such as caramel or toffee.
Examples include:
- Hershey’s Milk or Dark Chocolate Bar
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Dove Chocolates
- Milky Way (if caramel is soft)
If you’ve been asking, “What candy can you eat with braces?”—these are excellent, safe options.
Sugar-Free Candies for Braces
For families aiming to limit sugar intake and prevent cavities, sugar-free candies can be a smart alternative. They dissolve more easily and are less likely to stick to orthodontic appliances.
Recommended choices:
- Sugar-free chocolate bars
- Xylitol-based gum (if approved by your orthodontist)
- Sugar-free lollipops (enjoyed without biting)
Sweets to Avoid: What Can Harm Braces
Gummy Candies to Avoid with Braces
Gummy candies are highly problematic for anyone with braces. Their sticky consistency clings to brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean off and potentially leading to damage or increased risk of tooth decay.
Examples to avoid:
- Gummy Bears
- Swedish Fish
- Sour Patch Kids
- Fruit Snacks
Hard Candies to Avoid with Braces
While sucking on hard candy might seem safe, it’s risky. The temptation to bite can lead to broken brackets or bent wires. Hard candies also prolong sugar exposure, which can contribute to cavities.
Avoid the following:
- Jolly Ranchers
- Lollipops (unless never chewed)
- Jawbreakers
- Butterscotch Discs
Other Foods and Treats to Approach with Care
Toffee and Taffy
Toffees and taffies are both hard and sticky—two textures that do not mix well with braces. These candies can pull brackets loose and are difficult to remove from orthodontic appliances.
Examples:
- Heath Bars
- Caramel Chews
- Laffy Taffy
Popcorn
While not a candy, popcorn is a common snack during movie nights and holiday gatherings. Unfortunately, unpopped kernels and husks can damage braces or become lodged between teeth and wires. It’s best avoided.
Common Treats: Are These Safe?
A Note from Dr. Kothari
Enjoying holiday treats while wearing braces is absolutely possible—it simply requires a bit of planning and mindful eating. Dr. Kothari and the team at 914 Orthodontics recommend:
- Brushing after eating any sweets
- Rinsing with water if brushing isn’t immediately possible
- Flossing carefully to remove particles around brackets
- Visiting your orthodontist regularly for professional care
At 914 Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile. Whether you’re undergoing treatment with traditional braces or exploring Invisalign for adults, our team is here to support you. We also offer personalized care for adult patients seeking teeth straightening solutions, and if you’re wondering, “Is it ever too late to get braces?”—the answer is a reassuring no. Our dedicated adult orthodontist is here to help you begin the journey toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What candy is good for braces?
Soft chocolates such as Hershey’s or Reese’s are generally safe. Sugar-free options that dissolve easily are also recommended, provided they don’t contain sticky or crunchy additions.
2. What sweets are safe for braces?
Sweets that are soft, non-sticky, and low in sugar—like pudding, yogurt, soft chocolate, and applesauce—are considered braces-friendly.
3. Can I lick candy with braces?
Yes, licking hard candy is safer than chewing it. However, it’s best to limit these to avoid prolonged sugar exposure, and never bite into hard candy while wearing braces.
4. Can you eat marshmallows with braces?
Marshmallows can be acceptable in small amounts, especially if they’re soft and not overly sticky. Be sure to brush thoroughly afterward, as even soft marshmallows can cling to brackets if not cleaned properly.
5. Can you eat Oreos with braces?
Oreos have a soft texture that can be manageable with braces. However, their crumbly nature means residue can easily get trapped around brackets and wires. If you choose to eat them, clean your teeth carefully afterward.
6. What should I do if candy breaks my braces?
Contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule a repair. Continuing treatment with a damaged appliance can affect your results and cause discomfort.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation!
(914) 332 – 0900
“Dr. Kothari and his staff are excellent. I drive almost an hour to take my son here for his braces and am very happy to do so. The best around.”
– Natalie Casale
Dr. Rishi Kothari is an expert orthodontist near Pleasantville NY! If you have any questions for the team at 914 Orthodontics pertaining to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces and clear braces Ardsley NY, 10502 zip code area, Sleepy Hollow NY, Pleasantville NY, Irvington NY, Dobbs Ferry NY and Hawthorne NY or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kothari, contact Sleepy Hollow Orthodontics at: (914) 332-0900
