Valentine’s Day is a time to give your spouse, significant other, boyfriend, or girlfriend something special. Whether it is flowers, a picture frame, a trip, or even tickets to a sporting event, you want to make sure it is something they’ll truly enjoy. One common gift that is shared by millions around the world is candy. But what if the person you’re buying for wears braces? Before spending money on their favorite sweet treats, find out which ones to buy as well as avoid by reading this article.
Which Candies Are Fine to Combine with Braces?
When preparing to pick out some flavorful treats for your special someone to enjoy this Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to make sure that you select those that are less likely to cause potential harm to their orthodontic treatment. These might include:
- Hershey’s Kisses – These tried-and-true chocolatey treats can be great for your loved one. Not too hard in their consistency, they can easily melt inside the mouth. However, with many varieties now available, it’s best to stay away from any kisses that contain nuts or caramel, as these can damage wires and brackets or cause them to disconnect from teeth.
- Peanut Butter Cups – Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate mixed together? Unless your special someone is allergic to nuts, this can be a great option for something sweet. Not only are they soft, but they are unlikely to pose a risk to braces, allowing their smile to remain fully intact on the special day.
- Box of Chocolate – You’ll find it hard to miss the many heart boxes filled with chocolate at your local grocery store. Incorporating fudge and all other types of chocolate can be an enjoyable gift this time of year. It is worth noting, though, that some may need to be avoided if they contain caramel-filled chocolates or toffee, as these can damage braces.
Which Candies Should be Avoided by Those Wearing Braces?
If you want to make sure your romantic Valentine’s Day date doesn’t lead to a trip to the emergency dentist’s office, stay away from these candies when buying for your loved one:
- Suckers or Lollipops – Giving the person you love a sucker or lollipop can be a risky move if they have braces. The hard coating is not something they’ll want to bite into, as it can not only damage a tooth but also break metal wires and brackets.
- Candy Hearts – Your spouse or significant other may have a soft spot for small conversational hearts, but their tough consistency can lead to serious damage.
- Tootsie Rolls – Full of sugar and tough enough to “pull your teeth out,” these sweet treats can cause brackets to pop off, resulting in an emergency visit to the dentist.
While giving the gift of candy on Valentine’s Day is a great way to show someone you love and care about them, make sure you’re choosing those that will keep their smile on the right track to better oral health.
About the Practice
Our team at Northborough Dental Associates is here to offer exceptional dental care and valuable patient education. Committed to keeping patients updated on the most effective ways to take care of their smiles, we are pleased to offer tips and suggestions when it comes to preparing for the holidays. Whether it is helping to decide on a smile-friendly gift or ways to minimize the risk of decay and cavities, we’re here to help. Contact us at (508) 571-0358 to learn more.