For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. They should be avoided or cut into small pieces and chewed carefully. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires and must be avoided. Minimize sugary foods; they increase the chance of scarring or cavities around orthodontic appliances. Nail biting, pencil or pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects must be avoided.
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Licorice
- Sugar Daddies
- Toffee
- Tootsie Rolls
- Caramels
- Starburst
- Sugary Gum (sugar-free is okay for most patients)
Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- French bread crust/rolls
- Corn on the cob
- Raw apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Bagels
- Corn chips
- Jolly Ranchers
- Pizza crust
- Uncooked carrots (unless cut)
Minimize Sugary Foods like:
- Cake
- Ice Cream
- Cookies
- Pie
- Candy
Only Once a Day:
- Soda
- Sweetened tea
- Gatorade
- Kool-Aid
- Drinks with sugar
It's important 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 soon as possible to arrange an appointment for repair.