Candy and braces

With Fall just starting, it means that Halloween is just around the corner. It is an exciting time of year for many of us. Those of us with braces might be a little more reluctant. Having braces means having to navigate your way through which candies are safe for the brackets and wires. There are a lot of candy out there that seems alright with your braces, but they are a real trick. There are some real treats mixed in. Even the treats have some tricky consequences if they are not eaten in moderation. Eating to much candy can cause decalcification, cavities and/or gingivitis. Orthodontists recommend brushing and flossing after eating candy. Make sure to brush around the brackets very carefully, as buildups happen quickly. Brush along your gum line and swish some water around your mouth to help ensure you maintain your oral health.

Sour and fruity candy are the worst for your teeth. They are highly acidic and they break down the enamel on your teeth. Enamel helps protect your teeth from cavities and helps slow down tooth decay. There is a sugar substitute called xylitol that is not as harmful to your teeth as hard or chewy candy. It is important to note that sugar is not the only thing that causes tooth decay. Things happen and life happens. If damage occurs to your braces, make sure you reach out to your orthodontist's office to set up an appointment.

Can eat:

• Soft chocolate
• Peanut butter cups
• KitKats
• 3 Musketeers
• Marshmallows
• Cookies
• Sweet tarts
• Snow caps
• Peppermint patties
• Gelatin-based sweets
• Sugar-free gum
• Hershey's Kisses
• Hershey bar
• Crunch
• Milky Way (be careful though)
• Brownies
• Doughnuts
• Pies
• Sliced apples

Cannot eat:

• Caramel
• Taffy
• Hard candy
• Chewy candy
• Jellybeans
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Suckers
• Sour candy
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Tootsie Rolls
• Skittles
• M&M's
• Starbursts
• Snickers
• Laffy Taffy
• Gummy bears or gummy worms
• Corn on the cob
• Carrots
• Jolly Ranchers