An important part of orthodontic treatment is caring for your braces. This includes hygiene and taking precautions to protect your appliances. Here, our orthodontists in Surrey answer the question, ' Can you eat gummies with braces?' and share some tips for proper care.
What gummies can you eat with braces?
Unfortunately, you may not be entirely on board with the answer to this question. If you wear braces and love to treat yourself to sweet delights, it's a good idea to avoid gummy candies. Gummy treats like gummy bears, gummy worms and fruit snacks can be tricky for your braces. So, if you have a sweet tooth, it might be best to choose other treat options instead.
Can you eat vitamins or lifesaver gummies with braces?
Lifesaver gummies and even gummy vitamins fall into the 'avoid' category when you have braces. Instead of lifesaver gummies, you may want to try Jell-O, and you should switch to regular tablets or capsule vitamins for the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
What issues can occur with braces and chewy candy?
If you’re new to braces, you may be wondering exactly how gummies and chewy candies can affect your braces. Here, we cover some of the most common issues that may come up.
Broken Brackets & Wires
Chewy candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears are known for their sticky and stretchy texture. When you chew these sweets, they can adhere to the braces and the pressure can pull and stretch the components, including brackets and wires. This stress may result in broken brackets and loose wires. This can result in the need for immediate repairs that can extend the duration of your treatment.
Candies Stuck in Braces
Chewy candy can be a bit of a challenge when you have braces. These can leave a sticky residue that might sneak into the little spaces of your braces, making it harder to keep your teeth clean. If this issue isn't addressed (and quickly), it could lead to plaque buildup, which isn't great for the teeth or gums.
Potential Tooth Decay
Chewy candies typically contain high sugar levels, which can invite bacteria to build up in your mouth. When these candies are trapped around your braces, they provide bacteria with a continuous sugar source, which is then metabolized, producing lactic acid. This acid can wear down your tooth enamel and promote tooth decay. Even with diligent brushing, the sugary remnants can increase the likelihood of cavities.
Discomfort From Chewing
The chewy texture of sticky candies can put extra strain on your braces, potentially causing discomfort or pain. Chewing these sweets often requires considerable effort, resulting in sore gums and teeth. This discomfort may affect your ability to enjoy meals and could even cause you to avoid certain foods altogether.
Interference with Orthodontic Treatment
Braces apply gentle pressure to correctly position your teeth. Chewy candies can adversely impact this process by misaligning your braces. Additionally, broken brackets or loose wires may impact the accuracy of your treatment, leading to delays and extra adjustments.
What are some safe sweet treat alternatives?
There are several types of sweets that you can still enjoy without jeopardizing your braces. Here are some options that allow you to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.
- Soft Chocolate: Soft chocolates are a great choice for those with braces. Unlike hard or chewy candies, chocolates, especially those without nuts or caramel, melt in your mouth and pose little risk to braces. Enjoying a piece of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate can be a safe and satisfying way to indulge your cravings.
- Plain Chocolate Bars: Choose plain chocolate bars without nuts, toffee, or crunchy elements. These bars offer the sweetness you’re craving without the risk of damaging your braces. Plus, chocolate is easier to clean off your teeth than sticky candies, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Soft Candies: These include soft fruit chews, marshmallows, Jell-O and cotton candy. However, it’s still important to brush thoroughly after indulging to ensure that no sugar remains, which could increase the risk of tooth decay.
Enjoying brace-friendly sweets in moderation, followed by thorough brushing, ensures that you can enjoy your treat without compromising your orthodontic progress. Always consult with your orthodontist if you’re unsure about certain foods.
Healthy Snacks That Are Safe to Eat With Braces
As many of your favourite delicious soft treats might be best avoided, you may want to explore healthy snack options that are safe to consume with braces. Here are some snacks and soft foods that you can enjoy without any issues:
- Soft-baked cookies
- Muffins
- Soft crackers
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Soft pretzels
- Soft chocolate
- Soft cheese slices
- Yogurt
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Pears
- Croissants
If you're searching for some delicious soft foods that are safe to enjoy with your braces, or if you have any questions about what foods to avoid, your orthodontist is more than happy to help clarify anything you’re unsure about. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about a certain food, it's always wise to play it safe and steer clear of it.
Tips for Maintaining Your Braces
- Make sure to brush your teeth after each meal. Focus particularly on the areas around brackets and wires, as food particles may accumulate there and lead to discomfort.
- Be sure to floss your teeth consistently. Using a floss threader or specialized flossing tools for braces is recommended.
- Steer clear of sticky, hard, and chewy items like gum, caramels, and popcorn, as they may break or loosen your braces.
- Be careful when consuming foods such as apples, carrots, and corn on the cob since they can become lodged in your braces.
- Always use a mouth guard during contact sports.