Which Types of Food Should You Avoid
When You Have Braces?
Be aware that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces. These include chewy, sticky foods that can get caught between brackets or wires, as well as hard foods that can break or damage wires and brackets. In addition, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks which cause tooth decay. And, never chew on hard objects like fingernails, pencils, and pens which can damage braces.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Chewy or Sticky Foods:
Gum (sugar-free or regular)
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst
Hard Foods:
Limit to Once a Day or Less:
Sugary Foods:
Ice
Nuts
Hard taco shells
Uncooked apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
Corn on the cob
Jolly Ranchers
Hard Pretzels
Chips
French Bread / rolls with crust
Popcorn
Soda
Sweetened Tea
Gatorade
Kool-Aid
Any drinks with sugar
Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy
** Be sure to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair. Loose/broken braces or wires may cause treatment to take longer and could lead to poorer results.