Foods to Avoid
While wearing braces, using common sense can help you avoid many potential issues. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:
Avoid Hard Foods: Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets.
Avoid Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can get lodged between brackets and wires, causing discomfort and potential damage.
Minimize Sugary Foods: Excessive sugar can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Nail biting, chewing on pencils or pens, and other foreign objects can damage your braces.
It’s crucial to regularly check your braces for any bent or loose wires and brackets. If you notice any issues, please contact our office immediately to schedule a repair appointment. Following these guidelines will help ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and effectively.
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Gum (sugar-free or regular)
- Licorice
- Sugar Daddies
- Toffee
- Tootsie Rolls
- Caramels
- Starburst
Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- French bread crust/rolls
- Corn on the cob
- Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Bagels
- Chips
- Jolly Ranchers
- Pizza crust
- Uncooked carrots (unless cut)
Minimize Sugary Foods like:
- Cake
- Ice Cream
- Cookies
- Pie
- Candy
Only Once a Day:
- Soda
- Sweetened tea
- Gatorade
- Kool-Aid
- Drinks with sugar