If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll also be a big fan of cotton candy. But what about if you wear braces? Can this pink fluffy sweet spun sugar confection still be consumed? Or is it better avoided? Let’s find out shall we.
So, can you eat cotton candy with braces? It is generally recommended that you do not eat cotton candy with braces. While it is naturally soft, it recrystallizes and goes hard in the mouth (causing it to get stuck to braces) and can cause damage.
In all honesty, if you have just had braces fitted, candy in general, is not a great idea.
I know it tastes good, but most candy is pretty hard and then there is the sugar, too.
Now, chances are your orthodontist can give you an idea of some suitable foods.
But if you’ve left in a hurry, or some foods like cotton candy seems to fall in between of the recommendations, then be sure to check first.
So you’ve done the right thing by searching and landing here today.
While you here, let’s continue to explore the dangers of cotton candy, before moving onto some of the best candy alternatives, shall we.
Contents
Should You Eat Cotton Candy With Braces
It is advised that you do not eat cotton candy with braces. It can quickly get stuck and be difficult to remove, even causing damage. The high sugar content also result in tooth decay and damage if it is not removed sufficiently or in good time.
Now, the thing with cotton candy is that it is initially soft.
So naturally you would think we can eat it with braces.
Unfortunately that’s not the case.
And that’s because it hardens, and hardens quick.
It’s all due to chemistry, interestingly enough.
Now, cotton candy is usually made of sugar, corn syrup, water and flavoring/coloring.
The process of making it is amazing.
Essentially, the sugar is heated, liquefied and spun through minute holes, to create the ‘floss’ we are love.
And during this process, the sugar is crystalizing.
When the candy goes from soft and fluffy to hard, a process of recrystallization is actually happening.
When you place cotton candy in your mouth, the air bubbles diverge and the sugar molecules come together.
The heat of your mouth is essentially creating this reaction!
And the cotton candy gets hard!
To the point that it can stick to your braces and be really difficult to remove.
And this is where the issues lie.
Particularly those important brackets that are keeping your braces attached and in a particular position.
Now the sugar content (now attached to your braces) can begin to harbor bacteria. Again not what you want.
So for these reasons, cotton candy is best avoided.
How You Could Eat Cotton Candy
If you must, or cannot resist cotton candy, then there are a few best practices to be aware of:
- Eat very small amounts at a time, placing it directly on the tongue and keeping the mouth open. This will ensure the candy doesn’t have a chance to get stuck in the braces.
- Brush your teeth very shortly after consuming, and being particularly careful of any brushing motion over the braces. This will help remove any cotton candy that lingers in the mouth after consuming.
- Eat cotton candy rarely, on special occasions. Don’t make this a habit (if you can) and opt for other, more appropriate sweet treats instead (see below).
Alternatives To Cotton Candy If You Have Braces
The best alternatives to cotton candy if you have braces are those that are soft (and remain soft) during consumption. You want to avoid anything sticky or hard and that requires minimal chewing.
The best candy are those that can be licked, or sucked.
Here’s a list of candies I’d recommend opting for:
- Soft chocolate (without nuts)
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Peep’s candy
- Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Bars
- Smarties
- Peppermint Patties
- Ice cream
- Soft fruits that don’t require chewing (kiwis, berries, pineapple etc)
- Yogurt
- Cake
- Soft Cookies (such as Oreos dipped in milk),
- Pancakes
- Smoothies
Read more: What Candy Can You Eat With Braces?
Finally
Eating cotton candy is not advised, but it can technically be done if you are mindful, tear small pieces off before placing it on the tongue to dissolve.
But even then, with the crystallization, there is always a risk.
So, the choice is ultimately up to you here.
But I’d look into those other safe and recommended candies first, if you can and you want to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Either way, make sure to brush, floss, and mouthwash once you’re done.
Related Articles
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.