Can You Eat Skittles with Braces? The Sweet Truth You Need to Know
Introduction
Braces usually mean a big ‘Hello’ to a healthier and straighter smile, and a big ‘Goodbye’ to some certain types of food. If you are a sweet tooth, then you are probably wondering, ‘Can you eat Skittles with braces?
In this case, Skittles are sweet, chewy and super fun to eat. But, are they too risky for your brackets and wires? Don’t worry, this guide has you covered. We will discuss the risks involved with braces, orthodontist recommendations, safer alternatives to Skittles, and how to protect your braces from damage.
Let’s dive in and find out whether those rainbow bites are worth the risk.
1. Can You Eat Skittles with Braces? Quick Answer
The short answer is no—you should not eat Skittles with braces.
The combination of chewy texture and sticky consistency with hard coating makes Skittles a dangerous treat for people with braces. The combination of broken brackets and bent wires and stuck food particles between teeth and hardware creates an environment that leads to plaque accumulation and tooth decay.
The best decision for you is to stay away from Skittles until your braces are removed.
2. Why Skittles Can Be Dangerous for Braces
Let’s break it down:
Texture Risks:
Chewy interior: Sticks between brackets and under wires
Hard shell: Requires biting pressure that can break brackets
Sugar Content:
Extremely high in sugar
Promotes plaque and cavity formation
Hard to clean away from around brackets
Sticky Residue:
Lingers on teeth, making oral hygiene difficult
Can cause white spots on enamel after braces are removed
The answer to can you eat Skittles with braces becomes a clear no once you consider these factors.
3. What Happens If You Eat Skittles with Braces
Eating Skittles with braces may not seem like a big deal at first—but here’s what could happen after just one handful:
Potential Consequences:
Dislodged brackets
Bent archwires
Elastics snapping or coming off
Gum inflammation
Tooth decay or cavities
White demineralization spots on enamel
The mentioned problems will lead to delayed treatment and emergency orthodontic visits and higher costs.
When you ask if you can eat Skittles with braces you should consider if the brief sweetness is worth the extended treatment duration.
4. Skittles and Bracket Damage: A Closer Look
The brackets which are attached to the center of each tooth are not indestructible. The pressure needed to bite into or chew a Skittle can cause:
Brackets to pop off
Wires to become misaligned
Painful poking wires in the gums or cheeks
And once a bracket is loose, it stops doing its job until your orthodontist replaces or reattaches it.
Simply put, eating Skittles with braces is a bracket-breaking mistake.
5. Are All Skittles Equally Risky?
You might think mini Skittles or chewy Skittles are safer. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Common Skittles Types and Their Risk:
| Type of Skittles | Braces-Friendly? | Why or Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Original Skittles | ❌ No | Hard shell + sticky interior |
| Sour Skittles | ❌ No | Hard texture + acidic coating |
| Chewy Skittles | ❌ No | Extra sticky and sugary |
| Wild Berry Skittles | ❌ No | Same texture as original |
| Skittles Gummies | ❌ No | Worse—pure stickiness |
No matter the flavor or type, Skittles are off-limits with braces.
6. What Orthodontists Say About Skittles
Most orthodontists have a strict “no hard or sticky candy” rule, and Skittles fall into both categories.
Orthodontist Quotes:
“Chewy candies like Skittles can wreak havoc on brackets. We see so many cases of damage from just one snack.”
— Dr. Rebecca Lin, DDS
“My advice? If it’s chewy, hard, or sticky—don’t risk it. Skittles are one of the worst offenders.”
— Dr. Anthony Meyers, Orthodontist
So when orthodontic experts are unanimously saying don’t eat Skittles with braces, it’s best to take the advice seriously.
7. Safer Candy Alternatives for Braces Wearers
The need to eliminate candy from your diet does not exist when you have braces. You can enjoy braces-safe sweets which are soft and non-sticky and easy to clean.
Braces-Friendly Candy List:
Plain chocolate (Hershey’s, Dove)
Peanut butter cups
Soft cookies
Marshmallows
Soft licorice (in small amounts)
Ice cream or pudding (for sweet cravings)
Choosing one of these over Skittles can protect your braces and keep your treatment on track.
8. How to Clean Your Braces After Eating Candy
Even when you eat braces-safe candy, proper cleaning is essential.
Cleaning Steps:
Brush immediately after eating
Use an interdental brush to remove stuck particles
Floss carefully with a threader or water flosser
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash
Check brackets and wires for looseness
Eating Skittles with braces is risky mainly because the residue is very difficult to remove.
9. What to Do If You Already Ate Skittles
Oops! Already had Skittles while wearing braces? Here’s what to do:
Immediate Actions:
Check your brackets for damage or looseness
Rinse with water to remove sugar
Brush thoroughly
Floss to remove sticky residue
Call your orthodontist if anything feels off
Don’t panic—one slip-up doesn’t mean disaster. But now that you know the risks, avoid Skittles in the future.
10. Can You Eat Skittles with Braces During the Holidays?
Halloween, birthdays, and holidays are prime times for candy. But even during celebrations, you still shouldn’t eat Skittles with braces.
Holiday Tip:
Sort out all unsafe candies ahead of time (Skittles, taffy, caramels)
Replace with braces-safe treats
Consider giving out “braces-friendly” goodie bags at parties
Celebrating doesn’t have to mean compromising your smile. Say no to Skittles with braces, even on special occasions.
11. Teaching Kids About Braces and Candy
If your child has braces, it can be hard to get them to give up Skittles. Here’s how to make the message stick:
Parent Tips:
Explain the consequences (broken braces = more appointments)
Offer fun alternatives (soft chocolate, smoothie treats)
Use a reward system for good oral hygiene
Watch videos showing bracket damage from Skittles
The knowledge that eating Skittles with braces will extend treatment duration makes kids more willing to follow the rules.
12. Cravings: How to Satisfy Them Without Skittles
Craving that fruity, sweet flavor? You don’t have to suffer.
Skittles Craving Substitutes:
Fruit-flavored smoothies
Frozen yogurt with berries
Flavored sugar-free gum (orthodontist-approved)
Fruit slices dipped in dark chocolate
Natural fruit leather (only if soft)
When in doubt, ask your orthodontist before trying any new sweet snack.
13. FAQs About Candy and Braces
Q1: Can I suck on Skittles without chewing them?
Still not safe. The sugar dissolves in your mouth and coats your braces, increasing cavity risk.
Q2: Can I eat just one Skittle?
Even one Skittle can cause damage. It’s best to avoid them entirely while wearing braces.
Q3: Can I eat Skittles if I remove my Invisalign trays?
If you’re wearing Invisalign, you can eat Skittles when the trays are out—but be sure to brush before putting them back in.
Q4: What about other chewy candies like Starburst or taffy?
These are even worse than Skittles. Stick to soft, non-sticky options approved by your orthodontist.
14. Final Verdict: Can You Eat Skittles with Braces?
So, can you eat Skittles with braces?
The clear and final answer is: No.
Reasons Why:
Skittles are hard enough to break brackets
Their sticky interior gets lodged in wires
The sugar content promotes decay around braces
They can delay your treatment by causing damage
What to Do Instead:
Choose braces-friendly candies
Practice excellent oral hygiene
Stay committed to your orthodontic goals
That beautiful smile you’re working for is worth skipping the Skittles—for now.
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