Can You Eat Takis with Braces?

Can You Eat Takis® with Braces? Here's What You Should Know

If you have braces, you might be wondering whether your favorite spicy snacks—like Takis—are still on the menu. Takis are bold, crunchy, and full of flavor, but are they safe for your braces?

Let’s break it down.

Why Takis Aren’t Braces-Friendly

Takis are extremely crunchy and dense, which makes them risky for anyone wearing braces. Here’s why:

  • Hard Texture: Biting into a hard chip can bend wires or even pop a bracket off your tooth. This can delay your treatment and may require an emergency visit.

  • Crunchy & Sharp: Takis can splinter into sharp pieces that get lodged in braces, increasing your risk of gum irritation or infection.

  • Sticky Seasoning: The spicy coating may cling to your brackets and wires, making it harder to clean your teeth and increasing your risk of cavities.

What Happens If You Eat Takis with Braces?

If you decide to eat them anyway, you could experience:

  • Broken brackets or loose wires

  • Food getting stuck in your braces

  • Increased plaque buildup from hard-to-reach debris

And let’s not forget—eating anything too crunchy, sticky, or chewy can prolong your treatment time.

What Can You Eat Instead?

Don’t worry—there are still plenty of tasty alternatives that won’t jeopardize your smile. Try:

  • Soft cheese puffs

  • Lightly baked veggie chips

  • Soft tortilla chips (just chew with your back teeth!)

These options satisfy your snack cravings without the risk to your orthodontic hardware.

Takeaway: Skip the Takis (for Now)

While it’s tempting to sneak a bite, Takis just aren’t worth the damage they can do to your braces. Think of it as a short-term sacrifice for long-term results. Once your braces come off, you’ll be free to enjoy them again—with a straighter smile to match!