Can I Eat Chocolate With Braces?

When undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, you're going to have to adjust your diet. One food item that many people are not too sure about is chocolate many people's favorite sweet treat. In this article, our Surrey orthodontists discuss the effects chocolate can have when you have braces, and what types of chocolate are okay to eat.

Can I Eat Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Cookies With Braces?

In the early stages of your treatment with braces, the wires are quite flexible. Biting down on chips or other hard food items can affect the flexible wires, causing them to bend. This can cause lasting deformations in your wire and may even break the wire entirely. In short, certain types of chocolate can be harmful to your braces and teeth, prolonging your treatment and possibly tacking on some additional expenses.

Typically, chocolate is perfectly fine for braces as long as you’re eating the right kind. Soft chocolates, like that of a chocolate bar or a peanut butter cup, are perfectly fine for you to eat. You can eat dark chocolate with braces as well as milk chocolate or white chocolate as long as it is soft.

The trouble comes when chocolate is frozen, chewy, or contains nuts, toffee, or caramel. When it is difficult to bite into, it can potentially damage your braces. When it contains something sticky like caramel, it can get trapped between your teeth and braces, causing damage to your teeth as it is hard to brush or floss away.

For people wondering 'Can I eat chocolate chip cookies with braces', the rule stays the same. As long as the cookie itself is soft and not too crunchy, you should be okay. You are more than welcome to eat chocolate chips with braces, as long as they're in something soft that doesn't pose the threat of damaging your braces.

Snacks That Are Safe to Eat With Braces

If chips and many other tasty treats are off the table, you may be looking for snack options that are safe to eat with braces. Some easy snacks that you will have no trouble with include:

If you are looking for other safe foods and soft foods to eat with your braces, or if you are unsure whether a food is safe to eat with your braces, your orthodontist will have no problem clearing up any inquiries you may have. If you aren't sure if something is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and just avoid it.

Other Types of Food You Should Avoid If You Have Braces

Throughout the braces treatment process, chips aren't the only food that can be problematic. You should do your best to avoid any foods that are too hard or sticky foods. Some common crunchy foods to stay away from include:

If for whatever reason you find yourself in a position in which you have to eat something you probably shouldn't, cutting the food into small pieces will give you the best chance at avoiding damage to your braces.

Are you unsure about whether a food is okay for you to eat while you have braces? Contact our Surrey orthodontists and we will happily answer any questions you have about your oral health.