Which Valentine’s Candies Are Safe for Braces?

February is here again, and that means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! While you’re probably eagerly brainstorming how you can show that special someone how much you care, choosing a nice type of candy can be difficult if that person is wearing braces. Here is a brief guide to the best and worst candies for people with braces to help you make an excellent choice for someone you care about.

What Candy Is Bad for Braces?

Traditional metal braces require their patients to stick to several dietary requirements so that their treatment can be successful. While excessive sugar consumption is always to be avoided, chewy or crunchy candies are among the worst offenders for people who wear braces. Examples include:

• Taffy: Tough and chewy, this stuff is a recipe for orthodontic disaster.
• Lollipops: These are crunchy and always get bitten into eventually.
• Conversational hearts: These tiny sugary hearts are too hard to be a safe bet with braces.

Chewing these sugary treats can break brackets off of the teeth or pull the wires out of place. If you’d rather that your significant other not have to have an emergency orthodontist’s appointment, forego giving them chewy or crunchy candy.

What Valentine’s Candy Is Good for People with Braces?

The good news is that people who wear braces can enjoy a wide variety of candies that aren’t chewy or crunchy! Thankfully, chocolate is one of the most popular candies to give on Valentine’s Day, and it is soft and creamy enough to be harmless to the braces and easily washed away from the teeth after it is enjoyed. Dark chocolate is best since it contains very little sugar.

However, chocolate is not without its risks. Some chocolates have chewy caramel fillings or contain crunchy nuts that can harm your braces. If a piece of chocolate is especially thick, breaking it into smaller pieces can make chewing it a much easier task.

While wearing braces isn’t always easy, it is a proven orthodontic method that can straighten out even complex cases. By helping your loved ones take excellent care of their braces, you can help them achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile for life.

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry delivers top-notch dental health services to families in Dallas, TX. Led by a skilled and passionate team of general dentists and specialists, the staff is dedicated to providing high-quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include preventive and emergency dentistry for adults and children as well as orthodontics. For more information, contact the office online or dial (214) 333-3100.