When it comes to giving gifts on Valentine’s Day, candy is an extremely popular option. But what if your special someone is currently wearing braces to straighten their teeth? Certain sweets can wreak havoc with brackets and wires, so it’s important to make sure that you’re giving your valentine a gift that won’t disrupt their orthodontic treatment. Below is a brief look at some of the best and worst candies to give a braces-wearer on Valentine’s Day.
Types of Candy to Avoid with Braces
People undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment should avoid sticky, chewy candies such as taffy. These kinds of treats can easily get stuck on braces. In the worst-case scenario, they might bend the wires out of shape, or they could pull the brackets off the teeth. Furthermore, because chewy candies stay on the teeth for a long time, they can significantly increase a person’s risk for cavities. This can be especially bad news if your special someone’s braces are making it harder for them to brush their teeth thoroughly.
Another type of treat that braces wearers need to stay away from is hard candies that are meant to be chewed. This unfortunately includes the conversation hearts that are popular around Valentine’s Day. Biting down on hard candy can end up damaging braces, causing your valentine to need to schedule an emergency appointment with their orthodontist.
Types of Candy That People with Braces Can Enjoy
Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, and luckily, it happens to be one of the safest options for people with braces. It tends to be soft and melts easily in the mouth, so it’s unlikely to damage orthodontic brackets and wires when chewed. Of course, you need to pay close attention to the kind of chocolate you buy. Try to avoid getting your valentine chocolate that contains hard nuts or a sticky caramel filling.
Hard candies that are meant to slowly dissolve in the mouth, such as peppermints, can also be worth considering. As long as your valentine doesn’t bite down on the candy and lets it melt as intended, it shouldn’t have an adverse effect on their braces.
Valentine’s Day is a chance to show your special someone that you care, and a great way to do that is to give them a sweet treat they can enjoy to the fullest without throwing off their orthodontic treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Everson has more than 15 years of orthodontic experience. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, and he is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontists. At Buckhead Orthodontics in Atlanta, he helps patients enjoy straighter smiles with traditional braces and other treatments. If you think you or a loved one might benefit from getting braces, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Everson by visiting his website or calling (404) 697-7497.