A lollipop is a type of candy consisting of hard candy mounted on a stick and is meant to be sucked or licked. While they are delicious treats, it is generally not recommended to eat lollipops if you have braces.
Braces consist of brackets and wires that are attached to your teeth to straighten them. These brackets and wires can be damaged by hard or sticky foods like lollipops, which can lead to broken brackets, loose wires, or even damage to your teeth.
In addition, lollipops are high in sugar content which can increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities, which can be a concern for people with braces as it can be more difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly.
If you have braces, it is best to avoid eating lollipops or any hard, sticky, or chewy candy. Instead, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t damage your braces or increase the risk of tooth decay. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care and maintenance of your braces to ensure that your treatment is effective and your teeth stay healthy.
Main Types of Lollipops
Here are some common types of lollipops:
- Hard Candy Lollipops: These are the traditional lollipops that come in a variety of flavors and colors, and are made from sugar, corn syrup, and natural or artificial flavorings.
- Gummy Lollipops: These lollipops are made from a combination of gummy candy and hard candy. They have a chewy texture and come in a variety of flavors and shapes.
- Chocolate Lollipops: These lollipops are made from chocolate and are usually decorated with sprinkles or other toppings. They come in a variety of flavors, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Sour Lollipops: These lollipops are coated in a sour powder, which gives them a tangy flavor. They come in a variety of fruit flavors, such as lemon, lime, and cherry.
- Novelty Lollipops: These lollipops come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes, such as animal shapes, cartoon characters, or even jewelry. They are often used as party favors or decorations.
- Organic Lollipops: These lollipops are made from natural and organic ingredients and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They come in a variety of flavors and are a popular choice for people who want a healthier alternative to traditional lollipops.
Can You Eat Lollipops With Braces
Orthodontists generally do not recommend eating lollipops or any other hard, sticky, or chewy candy when you have braces. This is because hard candies like lollipops can put pressure on the brackets and wires, potentially causing them to break or become loose. Sticky candies can also stick to the braces and teeth, making them difficult to remove and potentially leading to decay. In addition, lollipops are high in sugar content, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
However, if you really want to eat a lollipop, you should talk to your orthodontist first. They may be able to give you specific instructions on how to eat lollipops safely or suggest alternative treats that are less likely to damage your braces or teeth. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care and maintenance of your braces to ensure that your treatment is effective and your teeth stay healthy.
Here are a few reasons why
- Hard and Sticky Candies Can Damage Braces: Braces consist of brackets and wires that are attached to your teeth to straighten them. Hard candies like lollipops can put pressure on the brackets, wires, and bands, potentially causing them to become loose or break. Sticky candies can also stick to the braces and teeth, making them difficult to remove and potentially leading to decay.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Lollipops, like other hard candies, are high in sugar content. When sugar is consumed, it combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid that can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and cavities. When you have braces, it can be more difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly, which increases the risk of tooth decay.
- Discomfort: When you have braces, your teeth may already be sore or sensitive from the pressure of the brackets and wires. Sucking on hard candies like lollipops can exacerbate this discomfort and cause further irritation.
- Delayed Treatment: If your braces are damaged or need to be repaired as a result of eating lollipops or other hard or sticky candies, it can delay your treatment and extend the amount of time you need to wear braces.
In summary, while lollipops may be tempting, they are generally not recommended when you have braces due to the risk of damage to your braces, increased risk of tooth decay, discomfort, and delayed treatment. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care and maintenance of your braces to ensure that your treatment is effective and your teeth stay healthy.
What Candy Can You Eat With Braces?
When you have braces, it’s important to choose soft, easy-to-chew candies that won’t damage your braces or increase the risk of tooth decay. Here are some examples of candies that are generally considered safe to eat with braces:
- Soft chocolate: Soft chocolate bars, such as Hershey’s chocolate bars, are a great option as they are easy to chew and won’t damage your braces. However, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating chocolate, as it contains sugar which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Peanut butter cups: Peanut butter cups are soft and easy to chew, making them a great treat for people with braces. However, like chocolate, they contain sugar, so it’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating them.
- Marshmallows: Marshmallows are soft and easy to chew, making them a good option for people with braces. However, be sure to choose plain marshmallows and avoid those that contain nuts or other hard ingredients.
- Soft fruit snacks: Fruit snacks that are soft and chewy, such as Welch’s fruit snacks or gummies, are a great option for people with braces. However, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating them, as they contain sugar which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Sugar-free gum: Sugar-free gum can be a great treat for people with braces, as it can help clean the teeth and promote saliva production. However, be sure to avoid gum that contains sugar, as this can increase the risk of tooth decay.
It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care and maintenance of your braces to ensure that your treatment is effective and your teeth stay healthy.