Chocolate is the world’s most popular sweet delicacy. According to the World Cocoa Foundation, more than 3 million tons of cocoa beans are consumed annually around the world (mainly in Europe and the United States). Not only can chocolate make you feel good, but it may also be beneficial to your heart and brain.
While wearing braces, any form of soft chocolate, such as a soft chocolate bar, will be fine. However, particularly large or hard chocolate bits, should be avoided. It may be difficult to chew a large piece of chocolate and it may harm your braces.
Chocolate might also stick to the braces. They get stuck between the wires, elastics, brackets, and between the teeth and braces, causing significant irritation and brace damage.
Furthermore, if the chocolate is frozen, it will be extremely difficult and difficult to bite into, resulting in significant tooth injury. It’s advisable to stick to regular-sized chocolate bars.
Chocolate lovers, on the other hand, can continue to enjoy their favorite treat without fear by being a bit more cautious and following regulations.
Eating Chocolate With Braces
Soft chocolate should not harm the braces or teeth right away, but it should be consumed in moderation because too much of it might lead to an increase in plaque and gum disease, which could ruin all the good work the braces have done.
Even so, braces may tolerate a small amount of chocolate. However, the majority of them are damaging to the braces. Biting into hard or frozen chocolate may cause the brackets to break or the wiring to be damaged.
It is especially harmful to your teeth and braces if it is sticky or mushy. Because most chocolate is sweet, sticky varieties are prone to become stuck in braces and teeth. And chocolates having any kind of hard or sticky things in them are usually more of a problem.
Because it’s difficult to clean teeth while wearing braces, this dirt may stick around for a long period. You should also stay away from chocolate with other hard and crunchy substances.
Dentists recommend cleaning your teeth after eating chocolate to remove any food particles that could cause gum disease or tooth damage. This will also help to ensure that your braces stay firm and effective.
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What Type of Chocolates Should Be Avoided
According to The New York Times, the number of adults who received adult braces or other teeth-straightening therapy increased by 58 percent from 1994 to 2010, bringing the total number of patients to 1.1 million.
Your dentist may advise you to be selective about the chocolate you eat. Chocolates that should be avoided include:
- Sticky chocolate, such as caramel chocolate, should be avoided since it may interfere with or injure braces. Furthermore, caramel morsels may become adhered to the braces, causing eventual deterioration.
- Chocolate containing hard nuts or other hard ingredients may cause the braces to become damaged.
- Extremely hard chocolate, such as that which has been chilled, may cause harm to the braces.
- Chocolate with hard candy shells can cause the same problems as hard chocolate.
Biting into this type of chocolate can break brackets or loosen wires. You should check with your dentist before eating any type of chocolate, to ensure that it will not damage your braces. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
LEARN MORE: Can I Eat Chips With Braces?
Tips for Eating Chocolate With Braces
If you can’t give up your chocolate addiction, here are some tips to make sure you can still enjoy it without harming your braces:
- Break the chocolate into smaller pieces before eating it. This will help to prevent any large chunks from becoming stuck in your braces.
- Opt for chocolate that is soft or melted. This will help to avoid any damage to your braces.
- Be sure to brush your teeth after eating chocolate. This will help to remove any food particles that could cause gum disease or tooth decay.
- Choose soft chocolate bars over hard ones.
- Avoid sticky chocolate, such as caramel-filled chocolates.
- Try eating chocolate that is lower in sugar such as dark chocolate.
Best Chocolate Form to Eat With Braces
Chocolate Chips: It is not very difficult to have chocolate chips as they are small in size and do not really need to be bitten into. Chocolate chips can be popped in the mouth and sucked.
Melted Chocolate: Melted chocolate can be a good option for those with braces. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before eating so that you don’t burn your mouth.
Chocolate Syrup: Chocolate syrup can be a good option for those with braces.
As you can see, there are still many options available for those with braces who crave chocolate. Just be sure to eat it in moderation.
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Alternatives to Pure Chocolate for Eating With Braces
Those of you who want to have chocolate while wearing braces but are skeptical can go for other foods that do not involve eating pure hard chocolate. But are no less than having pure chocolate. Some of them are;
- Chocolate pudding
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream with chocolate flavoring
- Chocolate ice cream
- Hot chocolate
- Chocolate cereal with milk
Avoid chocolate products such as chocolate cake, chocolate cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, brownies, and croissants. These can be very difficult to eat with braces and can damage your braces.
Final Thought: Eating Chocolate With Braces
Eating chocolate is not really a problem if you have braces. You can still enjoy your favorite sweet treat as long as you are careful about what type of chocolate you eat and how you eat it.
While it is possible to eat chocolate with braces, it is important to be mindful of the type of chocolate you are eating. Sticky, hard, or crunchy chocolates can damage your braces and should be avoided.
Be sure to brush your teeth after eating chocolate to remove any food particles that could cause gum disease or tooth decay. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy chocolate without damaging your braces.
LEARN MORE: Can Cheesecake Be Left Out?
Conclusion
Chocolate is one of the most consumed sweets in the world. It can be hard to give up chocolate, especially if you have a sweet tooth. But, it is possible to still enjoy chocolate while wearing braces by using the knowledge and implementing the tips. Remember
Now, go ahead and eat that chocolate without worry! Just be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
