It’s that time of year when candy is almost impossible to avoid. But if you or your child has braces, you know that this is sticky territory, quite literally.
Avoiding candy is a good plan, but it’s going to be hard right now. If you are going to indulge, just make sure you avoid the real dangers and stick to things that won’t make you regret your sweet treats.
Some candies are going to cause trouble, and you should use common sense when considering whether or not to eat certain candy if you have braces, including ceramic braces. Below are some recommendations, but this is not even close to a complete list. If you’re ever unsure, just avoid it. You’re truly better off safe than sorry.
Soft, Melty Candy
The rule of thumb for people with braces is to only eat candy that’s soft or melty. That means candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and 3 Musketeers Bars are okay. Plain chocolate is also okay, as well as anything that just melts on your tongue.
Dangerous Candies and Rules of Thumb
The candy bars that will get you into trouble are sticky or gooey. Anything with nougat or caramel will be incredibly hard to eat and will cause problems with braces. Babe Ruth bars, Charleston Chews, Butterfingers, Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, and other chewy candies are a bad idea. Also avoid anything with a hard shell, such as Skittles and M&Ms.
You’re better off avoiding sugar entirely, as you probably know. But if you must indulge, be careful about what you eat this year. In the future, when your braces in Surrey are off, you’ll be able to enjoy those chewy, gooey candies again. For now, take a break.
And always brush your teeth to avoid problems with cavities due to sugar!
Happy Halloween!
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables