You’ve probably heard that there are certain foods you should avoid when you have braces. We have two guidelines to help you to make smart food choices – avoid hard, crunchy foods and sticky, chewy foods. These foods can break off brackets, which will slow down treatment. In addition, try to limit your consumption of sugary foods so your smile is not only straight, but cavity free. Teeth move best when they are in a healthy environment. To minimize problems, follow the food guidelines listed below.
Hard and crunchy foods – these break brackets
- Ice cubes
- Nuts
- Hard candy
- Hard taco shells
- Popcorn or chips
- Crunchy bread or pizza crust
- Bagels
- Hard candy: mints, lollipops, Jolly Ranchers
Sticky and chewy foods – these cause cavities and break brackets and wires
- Laffy Taffy
- Caramels
- Gummy candy
- Gum (sugar-free gum is allowed!)
- Tootsie Rolls
- Licorice
- Swedish Fish
- Skittles
- Starburst
Non-food objects – avoid chewing on these items
- straws
- pens
- pencils
- plastic bottle caps
- hoodie sweatshirt strings
Modify the following foods – you can continue to eat them while you have braces
• Corn on the cob – cut the corn off the cob
• Meat on bones – remove the meat first
• Apples – cut into pieces
• Carrots – cook first or cut into small pieces
• Celery – cut into pieces
