Foods to Avoid
While you are wearing braces, please avoid eating hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage the wires and brackets, and sticky foods can get caught between the wires and brackets. Minimize the amount of sugary foods you eat; the sugar can cause cavities and other related problems.
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Gum (sugar-free or regular)
- Licorice
- Gummy candies
- 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
- Popcorn
Minimize Sugary Foods
During orthodontic treatment, it is important to limit sugary foods and drinks to help prevent cavities, plaque buildup, and white spot marks around the braces. Sticky and sugary foods such as cake, ice cream, cookies, pie, and candy should be enjoyed only occasionally. Sugary drinks like soda, sweetened tea, sports drinks, juice, and other beverages containing sugar should also be limited, as frequent sugar exposure can increase the risk of cavities while wearing braces. Drinking water and maintaining excellent brushing and flossing habits can help keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.