To help ensure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly, it’s best to use common sense when choosing what to eat. Try to minimize consuming hard, sticky, and sugary foods, as they can cause damage.
Hard foods have the potential to break or damage wires and brackets, while sticky foods can get stuck and make cleaning difficult. Eating too many sugary treats can lead to tooth decay and other related issues.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid habits like nail biting, chewing on pencils or pens, and chewing on non-food items, as these actions can also harm your braces and affect the results of your treatment.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can easily get caught in your braces, leading to buildup and potential damage. Avoid these to keep your braces in top shape:
- Gum (both sugar-free and regular)
- Licorice
- Sugar Daddies
- Toffee
- Tootsie Rolls
- Caramels
- Starburst
Hard Foods
Hard foods can break wires and brackets or cause discomfort. Here’s what to avoid:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- French bread crusts/rolls
- Corn on the cob (unless cut into smaller pieces)
- Apples and carrots (cut into small pieces)
- Bagels
- Chips
- Jolly Ranchers
- Pizza crust
- Uncooked carrots (unless cut)
Sugary Foods
Minimize sugary foods to prevent tooth decay and complications:
- Cake
- Ice Cream
- Cookies
- Pie
- Candy
Limited Sugary Drinks
Consume these sugary drinks sparingly, ideally only once a day:
- Soda
- Sweetened tea
- Gatorade
- Kool-Aid
- Other sugary drinks
Regularly inspect your braces for any bent or loose wires or brackets. If you notice any problems, please contact our office immediately to schedule a repair appointment.
