Direct answer: It’s generally not advised to eat Skittles with braces, because the small, hard candies can get in and around brackets or wires and increase the risk of damaging brackets or dislodging wires. If you do choose to eat them, take precautions and consider safer alternatives. What to know and tips

• Why it’s risky: The hard shell plus chewy center can put stress on brackets and wires, especially if you bite down directly on the candy or chew with the front teeth. This can lead to bracket loosening or wire bending [web results indicate braces-friendly candy guidance and specific cautions about Skittles being too hard for braces].

• Safer eating approach (if you must have Skittles):
  • Break them into very small pieces and chew from the back teeth, not near brackets.
  • Don’t bite directly into a whole Skittle; allow it to melt or be softened in your mouth before chewing.
  • Brush and floss after eating to remove sugar and prevent plaque around brackets.

• Alternatives: Choose softer, melt-in-your-mouth candies or plain chocolate (without hard inclusions), and always follow your orthodontist’s specific dietary guidelines.

Practical guidance

• If you’re in active treatment, many orthodontists recommend avoiding hard or sticky candies altogether to minimize bracket issues.
• If you’re ever unsure, the safest option is to skip Skittles and pick braces-friendly treats recommended by your clinician.

Would you like a quick list of braces-safe snack ideas tailored to your preferences (sweet, sour, or chocolate) with portion-size tips?