Rice Krispie Treats are popular for their combination of crispy cereal and gooey marshmallow binder. For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, the unique texture of these marshmallow squares raises concerns about potential damage to dental hardware. Orthodontists generally advise against consuming foods with this texture. Understanding how certain food textures interact with braces is helpful in deciding whether to risk consuming this confection.
How Sticky and Chewy Foods Impact Braces
The combination of stickiness and chewiness found in marshmallow treats presents a dual threat to orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods have a high adhesive property, which means they can easily bond to the brackets and wires that comprise the braces system. When a person chews, the adhesive force of the food can exert a strong pulling tension on the hardware. This constant, forceful tugging motion is strong enough to weaken the specialized adhesive that bonds the brackets to the tooth enamel.
A loose bracket, or one that has completely detached, will no longer apply the precise force necessary to move the tooth, halting alignment progress. The sticky residue easily lodges in tight spaces around the brackets and under the archwires, creating havens for plaque. The sugars feed oral bacteria, which produce acid that can cause decay or permanent white spots on the enamel around the bracket’s edges. This accumulation of bacterial plaque is difficult to remove and can compromise dental health during treatment.
The Safety Verdict and Eating Modifications
Orthodontic professionals generally advise avoiding Rice Krispie Treats completely due to their sticky, chewy, and crunchy nature. The main concern is the potential for the marshmallow to pull off a bracket or loosen a metal band that wraps around the back molars. If the treat is dense or fresh, forceful chewing can also bend the thin archwire, shifting alignment forces incorrectly.
For those determined to enjoy the treat, specific modifications can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Instead of biting directly into a full-sized bar, cut the treat into very small, manageable pieces, approximately one-quarter inch in size. The goal is to minimize the shear force applied to the braces hardware. Before consuming, allow the treat to slightly warm to room temperature, which can make the marshmallow portion marginally less tacky.
The pieces should be placed directly onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, avoiding the front teeth entirely. Chew slowly and deliberately, using gentle pressure rather than grinding or tearing motions. Immediately following consumption, a thorough cleaning is required, including careful brushing and rinsing, to remove any lingering sugary residue. A water flosser can be effective at dislodging sticky particles clinging to the wires or brackets.
What to Do If Braces Are Damaged
Should you feel or see that a bracket has come loose or a wire is poking your cheek after eating, remain calm and assess the situation. Contact your orthodontist immediately to report the damage and schedule a repair appointment. Loose brackets that are still sliding on the wire should be left in place and not manipulated further, as attempting to remove them can cause more issues. If a loose wire is causing discomfort by poking the soft tissues of the mouth, a small piece of orthodontic wax should be pressed firmly over the sharp end to create a smooth barrier.
If a bracket has completely detached, carefully remove it from the mouth and store it safely, as the orthodontist may need it for reattachment. Any delay in repairing damaged hardware can prolong the overall treatment time. This is because the teeth will stop moving or may even shift in an undesirable direction.