Foods to avoid with braces

Although sturdy, stable and advanced, braces are orthodontic appliances that you need to treat with care.  That means eating foods that are gentle on the brackets and wires that hold your braces together and in place. 

Avoid soft, sticky foods and candies.  They can loosen or even dislodge your braces. 

Be careful with whole fruits and vegetables too.  Cut apples and carrots into very thin slices and chew them carefully.  Slice corn off the cob.

It's best to avoid chips and dip.  If that's too much of a sacrifice, indulge in moderation.  Never suck on lemons, limes or ice.  Also, do not chew on pens or pencils.

Hard Foods to avoid:

• Hard Candy
• Popcorn
• Jerky
• Ice
• Nuts
• Pizza Crust
• Jolly Ranchers

Soft Foods to avoid:

• Bubble Gum
• Gum
• Starbursts
• Sugar Daddies
• Tootsie Rolls
• Gummy Bears
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Other chewy candies

Use Caution when eating:

• Chewy bread such as bagels - tear into small pieces
• Chips - eat them carefully and one at a time
• Corn on the cob - cut off the cob
• Apples and carrots - cut into small pieces
• Soda and sugary drinks - avoid these whenever possible as drinking too much can cause tooth decay

Avoiding foods you like may not be fun, but eating things that you're not supposed to eat can cause broken wires or brackets.  These can not only be painful but can actually prolong treatment.