How to Enjoy Your Favorite Sweets During Treatment with Our Orthodontist in San Diego

Wearing braces doesn't mean you have to avoid every sweet treat. With a few smart choices, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while protecting your orthodontic appliances. At Torrey Hills Orthodontics, Dr. Judy Lee, our orthodontist in San Diego, and our team are committed to helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We enjoy helping patients learn how to care for their braces without giving up all of their favorite foods.

 

The best treats for braces are those that are soft and easy to chew. Plain chocolate, peanut butter cups without crunchy pieces, soft cookies, brownies, ice cream without nuts or hard candies, pudding, and gelatin desserts are all good options when enjoyed in moderation. These treats are much less likely to damage your brackets or wires.

 

On the other hand, sticky and hard candies should be avoided throughout your treatment. Caramel, taffy, gummy candies, jawbreakers, hard mints, and lollipops can loosen brackets, bend wires, or delay your progress. It's also a good idea to stay away from popcorn and other crunchy snacks that can easily damage your braces.

 

Even braces-friendly sweets contain sugar, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth after eating sugary foods and floss carefully around your brackets and wires every day. If you can't brush right away, rinse your mouth with water to help remove food particles and reduce sugar buildup.

 

Choosing sweets in moderation and enjoying them with meals instead of frequent snacking can also help protect your teeth from cavities during orthodontic treatment.

 

If you have questions about foods that are safe to eat with braces, our orthodontist in San Diego and her team at Torrey Hills Orthodontics are here to help. Dr. Judy Lee is proud to provide personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Contact one of our two convenient office locations today to schedule your next appointment and keep your smile moving toward a lifetime of confidence.