Now that Halloween has passed, it’s time to dive into the trick-or-treating spoils. If you have braces, however, you’ll need to be cautious and set aside candy that can cause damage. This helpful guide lists common candies you should avoid, as well as treats that are safe to indulge in, post-Halloween and for the upcoming holiday season.

What Candy Should You Avoid With Braces?

Stay away from hard and sticky sweets. Biting down on hard candy puts stress on teeth and can cause wires and brackets to break off. Sticky, chewy candy gets lodged between braces, teeth, and gums, making them difficult to clean and leaving you vulnerable to plaque and cavities. This kind of candy can also get stuck in brace brackets and even rip them off. Here are the main candies you’ll need to sort out from your stash:

• Taffy
• Jellybeans
• Jolly Ranchers®
• Starburst®
• Caramels
• Gummies
• Licorice
• Suckers
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Bubblegum
• Tootsie Rolls®
• Skittles®
• Peanut M&M’s®
• Candied apples

What Candy Is Safe for Braces?

Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty brace-safe alternatives. You can enjoy soft, non-sticky candies that won’t get stuck to the brackets, such as chocolate. The best sweets for braces are the kinds that melt in your mouth, but avoid brands that add nuts, caramel, or any other hard or chewy fillings. Don’t eat frozen candy, and take small, careful bites of big sweets. Feel free to snack on these Halloween & holiday treats in moderation:

• Soft chocolate
• Peanut butter cups
• Marshmallows
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Kit Kat Bars®—broken into pieces
• 3 Musketeers®
• Peppermint patties
• Jell-O®

If you find yourself uncertain about what category a candy falls in, ask your orthodontist for advice. Whatever sweets you enjoy, floss and brush thoroughly afterward to eliminate any sugary build-up around your braces that could lead to cavities or decalcification marks.

If you need help keeping your braces clean and maintained, visit Delgado Orthodontist in North Richland Hills, TX. This orthodontics practice uses cutting-edge technology and top-quality products to improve your smile and make taking care of your teeth easier. They offer effective and reliable teeth straightening options for children and adults, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®. Visit their website for more information, or call the office at (817) 282-1821 to set up an appointment.