What Halloween Candy Can You Eat With Braces? Revealed

Last Updated on August 11, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Halloween is a fun time when we get to enjoy yummy candies. But picking the right treats can be tricky for those with braces. So, what Halloween candy can you eat with braces?

As someone who used to have braces, too, since I was a child, I’ve learned which candies are safe to enjoy.

Today, I’ll share a list of braces-friendly candies, so you can have a happy Halloween without worrying about your braces. Read on.

Table of Contents

What Candies Can You Eat At Halloween If You Have Braces?

Some delightful treats that are perfectly safe for brace-wearers. So, if your trick-or-treat bag is filled with goodies like 3 Musketeers or Reese’s, you can enjoy them without worry.

Also, indulge in treats like Reese’s Pieces, KitKats, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, plain or peanut butter M&Ms (but not peanut M&Ms), chocolate bars without nuts, soft cookies without nuts, Ritz Bits mini crackers, Cheez-It mini crackers, and cheese puffs are safe choices.

“All I need is love, but a little candy now and then doesn’t hurt!”
– Charles Schulz, American Cartoonist

Remember, go easy on anything chewy or sticky to avoid harming your braces.

And after savoring your treats, brush, and floss diligently to prevent lingering sugar from becoming plaque and causing tooth decay.

You might also like to read what makes Halloween the best holiday here.

What Candies Should You Avoid Eating if You Have Braces?

Avoid treats like caramels, taffy, hard candy, chewy candy, jellybeans, licorice, bubble gum, suckers, sour candy [1], popcorn, and nuts.

These candies have the potential to cause damage to your braces, which could lead to setbacks in achieving your desired smile.

Choose braces-friendly alternatives to safeguard your orthodontic progress and prioritize your oral health.

Making wise choices during Halloween and beyond will keep you on track for a beautiful, healthy smile. But how do you get more candy on Halloween?

How Can You Enjoy Halloween if You Wear Braces?

1. Thorough Brushing & Flossing

After delighting in your Halloween candies, prioritize brushing and flossing to eliminate any sugary residues that may have accumulated.

Paying meticulous attention to oral hygiene helps to prevent tooth decay and ensures your braces remain clean and free from harmful effects.

2. Steer Clear Of Sticky & Chewy Candy

While it may be tempting to indulge in chewy treats like gummy worms and taffy, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Chewy candies have a knack for getting tangled in braces and can exert excessive pressure on the wires and brackets, potentially leading to uncomfortable and damaging situations.

By skipping these candies, you safeguard your braces and reduce the risk of unexpected orthodontic visits.

3. Choose Brace-Friendly Options

Opt for Halloween treats that won’t break on your braces. Solid chocolate candy bars and peanut butter cups are excellent choices as they don’t stick to teeth or brackets.

Smooth-textured candies are less likely to cause damage and allow you to enjoy the festivities without worry.

4. Eat The Candies In One Sitting

Instead of munching on candy throughout the day, indulge in your Halloween goodies in one sitting.

“Braces can’t scare away the Halloween fun! ‘Munch on 3 Musketeers, savor M&Ms, and let your braces-approved candy journey lead you to a hauntingly happy smile!'”
– Howkapow Gift Site

This approach reduces the overall exposure of your teeth to sugars and minimizes the potential for bacteria to thrive.

After your treatment session, follow up with a thorough brushing and flossing routine to keep your oral health in check.

5. Handle Hard Candy With Care

While avoiding hard candies is advisable, we understand that some irresistible favorites may tempt you.

If you decide to enjoy a hard candy, do so with caution. Sucking on hard candies for extended periods can lead to broken braces, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation and with care.

6. Create A Clever Costume With Braces

Rather than seeing braces as a hindrance, incorporate them into your Halloween costume creatively.

You can use makeup to enhance your braces or dress up as a dentist, bringing a fun and humorous element to your Halloween look.

7. Practice Self-Control

While enjoying treats is part of the fun, practicing self-control and limiting your candy intake will aid in maintaining your orthodontic progress.

By being mindful of your choices, you can continue on the path to a healthy and charming smile.

FAQs

What fruity candies are safe to eat while wearing braces?

While fruity candies may not be ideal for braces, you can still indulge in delightful alternatives like Kit Kat Bars, Peppermint Patties, and chocolate bars without crackles or nuts.

How long until I can finally eat with my braces?

It usually takes around three or four days for the initial soreness from braces to ease up. As the discomfort goes away, you can start eating more solid foods.

But remember, throughout your braces journey, avoid chewing gum with sugar.

What foods are off-limits when you have braces?

Certain foods can be problematic for braces and should be avoided, like crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, and ice, as well as sticky foods such as caramel candies and chewing gum [2].

Hard foods like nuts and hard candies, along with foods that require biting into, like corn on the cob, apples, and carrots, are also best avoided to prevent potential damage to your braces.

Final Say

As someone who once wore braces, I can confidently tell you that enjoying Halloween candy with braces is possible.

Remember, stick to safe candies like Reese’s Pieces, KitKats, and 3 Musketeers. Avoid the sticky and chewy ones, like taffy and gummy worms, as they can cause trouble for your braces.

Stick to solid chocolates and smooth treats that won’t harm your braces. Lastly, enjoy your candy in one sitting and then brush and floss thoroughly afterward to maintain a healthy smile.

References:

https://www.thedailymeal.com/1159868/what-makes-sour-candy-sour/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-chewing-gum

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].