Hard Foods cause damage to brackets and wires, so you should avoid these completely! Sticky and Chewy Foods can bend wires and pull brackets and bands completely off the tooth! Sweets don’t damage the wires or brackets but can permanently damage, discolor and decay your teeth. If you eat or drink sweets, brush within 30 minutes! If you simply cannot brush immediately, rinse your mouth with mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Ask your Dr. Spain if Gum is okay for you to chew. If he says ‘Yes,’ it MUST be sugar free gum. No Exceptions! Post this list on your refrigerator as a convenient reminder of what to avoid while in treatment!
Download Foods to Avoid List Here
Hard Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Ice
- Apples
- Carrots
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Corn-nuts
- Hard Candy
- Bagels
- Pizza Crusts
- Preztels
- Chips
- Taco Shells
- Jerky
- Granola Bars
- Hard Bread
Sticky Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Caramels
- Starbursts
- Sugar Daddies
- Now & Laters
- Tootsie rolls
- Snickers
- Milky Ways
- Sour Patch Kids
- Caramel Apples
- Skittles
- Licorice
Chewy Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Gummies
- Airheads
- Jelly Beans
- Dried Fruit
- Fruit Roll Ups
- Dots
- JuJu Beans
- Swedish Fish
- Licorice
- Laffy Taffy
Sweets to Avoid with Braces
- Soda Pop
- Energy Drinks
- Shakes
- Kool-Aid
- Popsicles
- Ice Cream
- Cake
- Cookies
- Pie
- High Sugar Cereals
