Foods to Avoid with Braces

Braces are a great treatment for correcting bite and alignment issues while also enhancing the overall appearance of the smile. In order to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment, it's essential to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and instructions for caring for your teeth while wearing braces. One important aspect of wearing braces is being mindful of certain foods. Let's take a look at which foods to avoid with braces in this overview from the team at our Philadelphia, PA practice, Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics.

Why Avoid Certain Foods?

Although modern braces are durable and sturdy, it is still important to practice extra care while wearing braces. Braces help reposition the teeth through a bracket and wire system. Certain foods can cause the brackets and wires to dislodge, which is why it is important to be mindful of what you eat during orthodontic treatment. Chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods can all pose problems while wearing braces and should be avoided. The following are just a few of the most common foods to avoid with braces.

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods can pose a problem when wearing braces since they require so much chewing. Chewy foods to avoid include:

• Hard rolls
• Licorice
• Gummy candy

Sticky Foods

In addition to posing a risk to dislodging the braces, sticky foods may also collect around the braces and increase the risk of tooth decay. Some sticky foods to avoid while wearing braces include:

• Gummy candies
• Caramels
• Gum
• Taffy

Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods can easily cause the brackets and wires to become loose. Avoid eating crunchy foods such as:

• Popcorn
• Corn chips
• Ice
• Hard taco shells
• Pretzels

Hard Foods

Hard foods pose a similar risk as crunchy foods and should also be avoided. Some hard foods to avoid while undergoing orthodontics treatment include:

• Nuts
• Hard candies
• Hard chocolate
• Hard cookies
• Hard crackers
• Croutons

Foods That Require Biting Into

When wearing braces, it's ideal to avoid eating foods that require biting into with your front teeth. With that said, many foods that require biting into may be eaten if they are cut up or broken into smaller pieces. Some of these foods include:

• Corn on the cob
• Apples, pears, or other fruits
• Raw vegetables

What Foods Can You Eat?

Although there are quite a few foods to avoid while wearing braces, there are many that are completely fine. In general, soft foods can be safely eaten during orthodontics treatment. Some soft foods you may want to include in your diet are:

• Yogurt
• Bananas
• Pasta dishes
• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
• Cheese

Learn More about Orthodontic Treatment

Taking good care of your teeth and braces while undergoing orthodontic treatment is key to achieving beautiful results. Avoiding foods that may damage your braces is just one way to ensure successful treatment. To learn more about orthodontic treatment, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our team today.