When you have braces, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can damage the brackets, wires, or your teeth. Here’s a list of foods to avoid or be cautious with:
Foods to Avoid Completely:
- Hard Foods:
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice (chewing on ice)
- Popcorn kernels
- Hard pretzels
- Hard taco shells
- Sticky or Chewy Foods:
- Gum (especially sticky gum)
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Licorice
- Starbursts
- Crunchy Foods:
- Whole apples or carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off instead)
- Hard chips (like tortilla chips or hard taco shells)
- Foods That Require Biting into:
- Whole apples, pears, or other hard fruits
- Corn on the cob
- Ribs or chicken wings (eat the meat off the bone instead)
- Sugary Foods:
- Sodas
- Candy
- Sugary snacks (can increase the risk of cavities, which is already higher with braces)
Foods to Eat with Caution:
- Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits:
- Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces (e.g., carrots, apples, celery).
- Chewy Breads:
- Bagels or pizza crust (tear into small pieces).
- Meats:
- Avoid tough or chewy meats; cut them into small pieces.
- Chips and Snacks:
- Eat softer varieties and avoid hard, crunchy chips.
Braces-Friendly Alternatives:
- Soft fruits (bananas, berries, melons)
- Cooked vegetables (steamed or boiled)
- Soft grains (pasta, rice, oatmeal)
- Dairy (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- Soft proteins (eggs, tofu, tender meats)
Additional Tips:
- Cut food into small, manageable pieces.
- Avoid biting directly into hard foods with your front teeth.
- Brush and floss regularly to prevent food from getting stuck in your braces.
By avoiding these foods, you’ll reduce the risk of breaking your braces and keep your treatment on track!
