Valentine’s Day is all about sweet gestures; from heart-shaped boxes of candy to thoughtful, heartfelt notes and cards, there are lots of reasons to be excited for the upcoming holiday. However, if you or that special someone in your life wears braces, you’ll want to keep in mind that not all candy is created equally—and some might pose a threat to your orthodontic treatment. Luckily, these are easy to avoid and just as easy to substitute for some smile-friendly alternatives. Here’s what you need to know.
Valentine’s Day Sweets That Can Be Problematic
These candies are much more likely to damage braces or get stuck in hard-to-clean places, meaning you should try to avoid them this Valentine’s Day:
- Sticky candies like caramels, taffy, toffee, and gummy candies are some of the biggest troublemakers for braces, since they can cling to brackets, pull on wires, and are very tough to clean off.
- Hard candies might seem harmless, but biting down on things like lollipops, jawbreakers, and conversation hearts can crack brackets or bend wires. Even sucking on them can increase sugar exposure around your braces, increasing your cavity risk.
- Candies with nuts or brittle pieces can also easily break brackets or pop wires out of place.
Braces-Friendly Valentine’s Day Candy
Remember, when it comes to virtually any type of candy, or anything with sugar for that matter, there is inherently going to be a cavity risk. However, these treats tend to be softer, less sticky, and much safer for teeth with braces, especially when enjoyed in moderation:
- Plain milk chocolate (without nuts or caramel) or dark chocolate – Chocolate melts away easily in the mouth, doesn’t require much chewing, and is unlikely to damage metal brackets or wires.
- Cookies, cupcakes, and brownies – Valentine’s Day-themed baked goods can be a great alternative to traditional candy, especially if they’re soft. Avoid items with crunchy toppings or hard sprinkles.
- Chocolate-covered fruit – Fresh fruit has the vitamins and minerals your body needs to be healthy, and it can also benefit your oral health. Chocolate-coated strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits don’t normally pose much of a risk if they aren’t too firm.
Valentine’s Day only lasts one day, but braces are working toward a lifetime of confident smiling. Be sure you’re making smart candy-related choices so that your teeth can greatly benefit!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has helped patients and families all around Dayville and the surrounding CT communities for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, including traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, please call or visit us online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (860) 590-8497.
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