Can You Eat Gummy Bears with Braces?

Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth. Yet, wearing braces often requires dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Among all sorts of treats that may seem harmless, gummy bears often find themselves in the spotlight. But can you eat gummy bears with braces?

Understanding Braces and Dietary Restrictions

Before we start, you should understand why some foods are restricted while wearing braces.

Braces consist of brackets and wires that apply pressure to teeth to shift them into the right position. Eating too hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage the braces in the long run. It can also lead to longer treatment times or even emergency orthodontic visits.

For example, eating chewy foods can slightly misalign the brackets. It means more visits to your dentist to put the brackets in the right position. Not only that, but it can also break or misalign the wires of the braces, which means you would need to visit your dentist right away for correction.

That’s why dentists tell patients to avoid such foods to ensure the success of their treatment.

So, Can You Eat Gummy Bears with Braces?

Gummy bears are made from gelatin, sugar, flavorings, and various color agents. The combination of these gives them distinct texture and taste. However, the chewy nature of these treats poses a potential risk for those who wear braces.

When you chew on gummy bears, small parts of these treats can get stuck in brackets and wires. It could make it quite challenging to clean and floss your teeth properly. Not only that, but the sticky residue that is left behind can harbor sorts of harmful bacteria. 

These bacteria increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease over time. That’s why you should NOT eat gummy bears while wearing braces.

Impact of Gummy Bears on Braces

Consuming gummy bears if you wear braces can have several negative consequences. 

First, the sticky nature of those treats makes them prone to getting trapped in the braces. If trapped, it can be quite difficult to remove them with regular brushing and flossing. This trapped food can become a breeding ground for various types of bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and even tooth decay. 

On top of that, the constant chewing motion can exert excessive force on the braces and cause them to become loose or detached from the teeth. In severe cases, it may lead to necessary repairs or replacements, prolonging the overall treatment duration.

Alternative Treats for Braces Wearers

If you adore gummy bears, you may think that no alternative is good enough to replace them. However, there are plenty of treats that can please your carvings without affecting your treatment.

For example, soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons are excellent choices. They provide natural sweetness and are gentle on teeth and braces. Yogurt, pudding, and smoothies can also serve as delicious, braces-friendly alternatives.

Additionally, there are soft candies specifically designed for those who wear braces. Those usually include soft caramels and chocolates, which can be enjoyed in moderation. Peanut butter cups are another tasty treat that you can enjoy with no worries.

If you like sour candies, make sure to check out some delights from our Sour Candy collection. You will find a lot of options to satisfy your sour cravings, such as sour gummy worms, sour belts, sour patch kids, sour cherry balls, and sour apple rings. These are also an excellent choice if you are planning a themed party for you and your friends.

Tips for Enjoying Gummy Bears Responsibly

It is completely understandable if you can’t resist the allure of gummy bears. In that case, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your braces.

The first thing you should consider is sugar-free gummy bears. They are less likely to contribute to tooth decay than regular gummy bears. Also, make sure to limit your consumption to special occasions and enjoy them only from time to time.

After having a portion of gummy bears, make sure to thoroughly clean your teeth and braces. Spend a couple of minutes brushing and flossing diligently to remove sticky residue. Finally, consider cutting gummy bears into smaller pieces to reduce chewing. It can significantly lower the risk of damage to your braces.

You might also like to check out our Peach Os Gummi Rings. These are slightly lighter for chewing, and apart from being full of juicy flavor, they also come at quite a reasonable price.

PEZ Candies can also be tempting, especially because you can simply let them melt away in your mouth, instead of chewing.

Consultation with Your Orthodontist

Ultimately, before you start consuming gummy bears, make sure to consult your orthodontist. They can provide guidance based on your specific orthodontic needs and treatment progress.

If you are unsure whether certain foods are safe to eat with braces, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice. 

By following their recommendations you can ensure the success of your treatment much quicker. It will help you achieve the straight, healthy smile you’ve always desired.

Other Candies to Avoid

Apart from gummy bears, there are other types of candy you should avoid when wearing braces:

Caramel: Caramel is sugary, sticky, and easily sticks to the tooth and braces. While mixing with the saliva in your mouth, caramel forms a plaque or even tartar on your teeth. You can prevent it only by visiting your dentist every few months for a cleaning.

Tootsie Rolls, Salt Water Taffy: These candies are also quite stretchy and sticky. You can easily pull off your brackets when eating them. Make sure to stay away from these until your treatment is done.

Skittles: These candies are hard to chew, especially when you wear braces. You can end up with broken brackets and damaged wires if you eat too many.

Chewing Gum: Chewing gum is another option that requires constant chewing. Like other chewy candies, each chewing stroke you make will apply a certain force to your braces. It will eventually lead to a broken brace or bracket.

Final Words

Gummy bears are a tempting treat, but they are not recommended for those who wear braces. Their sticky texture can lead to potential damage to braces or even teeth.

Yet, there are plenty of alternatives that can please your sweet cravings. By following your dentist’s advice and making smart dietary choices, you can protect your braces and maintain optimal oral health throughout your orthodontic journey.

You might also be interested in our article Does Candy Expire. Make sure to check it out!