For many, Halloween is a time for spooky costumes, haunted houses, and, of course, lots of candy! But for those with braces, indulging in all those sweet treats comes with a few extra considerations. If you’re excited to participate in some of the many Halloween activities in our community, you may be left wondering, “What Halloween candy can I eat with braces?”

At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists (AOS), we want to help you enjoy the holiday without causing any damage to your braces. Let’s take a closer look at the best candy for braces, what to avoid, and how to enjoy Halloween treats safely.

The Danger Zone: What Foods to Avoid with Braces

Before diving into the list of safe treats, it’s essential to know which types of candies and foods should be off-limits when you have braces. While it may be tempting to munch on everything in your trick-or-treat bag, some sweets can harm your orthodontic appliances.

1. Hard Candies: This includes lollipops, jawbreakers, peppermints, and butterscotch. Hard candies pose a significant risk of breaking or loosening your braces if you bite into them. Even if you suck on them slowly, the residue can stick to your brackets and wires and pull them out of place.
2. Sticky Candies: Taffy, caramels, Tootsie Rolls, Milk Duds and chewing gum are major culprits here. These ooey-gooey treats can also damage brackets and wires by sticking to them and pulling them out of place.
3. Nuts and Popcorn: Both nuts and popcorn have hard kernels that can easily damage your braces. Additionally, popcorn kernels can get stuck under your wires and between your teeth, which can be painful and hard to remove.
4. Chewy Candies: Gummies, licorice, Swedish Fish, candy corn, jelly beans, and fruit snacks are notorious for getting stuck in your braces. Their sticky consistency can pull on your braces, causing potential damage.
5. Caramel Corn and Caramel or Candy Apples: A Halloween favorite, caramel corn and caramel or candy apples are a double threat—they’re both sticky and hard. For those with braces, it’s best to avoid these treats altogether.

What Happens If You Eat the Wrong Candy?

Eating hard or sticky foods with braces can lead to several issues, including:

• Broken Brackets: Biting into hard candies or nuts can snap the brackets right off your teeth, leading to an emergency trip to the orthodontist.
• Bent Wires: Sticky or chewy foods can pull on the wires, bending them out of shape. This not only affects the progress of your treatment, but can also cause pain or discomfort if the damaged wire pokes your cheek or gums.
• Increased Risk of Cavities: Sugary and sticky foods are difficult to clean from braces, and when left behind, they can quickly cause harmful cavities or plaque buildup.

To avoid these problems, it’s crucial to stick to braces-friendly Halloween treats.

The Best Candy for Braces: Safe Treats You Can Enjoy

Now, the good news! You don’t have to give up Halloween candy entirely. There are plenty of options that you can enjoy without risking damage to your braces. The key is moderation and smart choices.

1. Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces: Soft and creamy, peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces are an excellent choice for those with braces. They don’t require biting into hard surfaces, and they’re easy to clean off your braces afterward.
2. KitKats and 3 Musketeers: KitKats and other soft, chocolate candies like 3 Musketeers can be enjoyed in moderation. The wafers inside KitKats are light and won’t cause damage, and the ingredients in 3 Musketeers means it’s soft without being too sticky.
3. Hershey’s Kisses and Plain (Not Peanut) M&Ms: While they may seem hard, Hershey’s Kisses and plain M&Ms are smooth and melt easily in your mouth. Just be careful not to bite directly into Hershey’s Kisses—let them melt to avoid any damage to your braces.
4. Marshmallows: Whether you enjoy them on their own or dipped in chocolate, marshmallows are soft and braces-friendly. They’re easy to eat and won’t get stuck in your wires.

Helpful Tips for Halloween with Braces

To ensure you have a fun and braces-safe Halloween, here are a few additional tips:

• Brush and Floss After Eating Candy: After enjoying any candy, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss to remove any sugary residue. This will help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities.
• Eat Candy in Moderation: Limit the amount of candy you consume in one sitting. The less time sugar spends on your teeth and braces, the better. Eating in moderation also reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
• Choose Braces-Friendly Snacks: If you’re having a Halloween party at home or at school, consider incorporating braces-friendly snack options, like soft cookies, cupcakes, or donuts (all without nuts.)

Final Thoughts: Can You Eat Candy with Braces?

The answer is yes, you can eat candy with braces, but it requires extra caution. Stick to soft, non-sticky candies, and avoid anything hard, chewy, or crunchy. By choosing the best candy for braces and following the right precautions, you can enjoy Halloween without worrying about a trip to the orthodontist.

At AOS, we’re here to help you navigate your orthodontic journey, even during the candy-filled holidays. If you ever have any questions or need advice on caring for your braces, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Happy Halloween, and enjoy those treats responsibly!