Sweet treats don’t have to mean sticky situations.
Whether it’s Halloween, Easter, or just a random Tuesday with a candy jar nearby, one of the biggest questions we get at Olson Orthodontics is:
“Can I still eat candy with braces?”
The short answer? Yes—but not all candy is created equal.
Some sweets are braces-friendly, and others can be a one-way ticket to a broken bracket. The good news is, you don’t have to sit out on the fun—we’re here to help you sort the treat from the trick.
✅ Braces-Approved Candies
Stick with these soft, melt-in-your-mouth options:
- Chocolate bars (no nuts!) – Think Hershey’s, Dove, or plain milk/dark chocolate squares.
- Peanut butter cups – Soft and creamy = no threat to brackets.
- 3 Musketeers – Fluffy filling and no crunch? You’re golden.
- Plain M&M’s – Chew carefully, but they’re usually fine (just avoid the peanut ones!).
- Soft gummies like fruit snacks – In moderation and if they’re not super sticky.
❌ Candies to Avoid with Braces
These are the villains of the candy world (at least for your braces):
- Caramel anything – Hello, glue trap for brackets.
- Taffy & Starburst – Chewy, sticky, and full of regret.
- Hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, etc.) – One crunch can pop a bracket.
- Nuts or candies with nuts – Too risky for wires and brackets.
- Sour gummy candies – Sticky AND acidic? That’s a no from us.
Seasonal Candy Favorites: Yay or Nay?
| Candy | Braces-Safe? | Notes |
| Reese’s Cups | ✅ Yes | Soft and smooth |
| Candy Corn | ⚠️ Maybe | Can be sticky – chew carefully |
| Tootsie Rolls | ❌ No | Very chewy and bracket-risky |
| KitKat (no nuts) | ✅ Yes | Crisp but soft chocolate |
| Skittles | ❌ No | Too hard and chewy |
| Peeps | ✅ Yes | Soft but very sugary—brush after! |
| Jelly Beans | ❌ No | Sticky and too dense |