Foods to Avoid
When wearing braces, it’s important to be mindful of the foods and habits that can interfere with your treatment. Hard, sticky, and sugary foods should be avoided as they can cause various issues. Hard foods can damage brackets or wires, sticky foods tend to get lodged between braces and are difficult to remove, and sugary foods can lead to tooth decay. Additionally, avoid habits like biting your nails or chewing on non-food objects, such as pens or pencils, as these can put unnecessary pressure on your braces.
Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Tootsie Rolls
- Licorice
- Caramels
- Toffee
- Starburst
- Sugar Daddies
Hard Foods to Avoid:
- Jolly Ranchers
- Chips
- Nuts
- Ice
- Hard taco shells
- Corn on the cob
- Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Bagels
- Pizza crust
- French bread crust/rolls
- Uncooked carrots (unless cut)
Sugary Foods to Minimize:
- Cookies
- Candy
- Cake
- Ice cream
- Pie
Limit to Once a Day:
- Sweetened tea
- Gatorade
- Soda
- Kool-Aid
- Other sugary drinks
Regularly inspect your braces for any signs of damage, such as bent wires or loose brackets. If you spot an issue, reach out to our office right away to arrange a repair appointment and prevent further complications.
