Foods to Avoid
Braces 101
Eating hard and sticky food can damage your orthodontic appliances and result in additional costs and treatment time. Please refer to the list if you have any questions on foods that are not allowed. If you are in doubt about any foods not listed, please, DO NOT EAT THEM!
Too much soda will result in decalcification (permanent white scars) on the teeth. We recommend that the intake of soft drinks be limited for the health and appearance of the teeth.
Brushing with Braces
DO NOT EAT STICKY FOODS SUCH AS:
- Gum (sugar-free or regular)
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Licorice
- Carameled Apples
- Jelly Beans
- Tootsie Rolls
- Fruit Roll Ups
- Chewy candy bars like Snickers or candy bars with nuts
Chewing gum and other sticky foods can result in loose appliances and bent wires. These sticky foods can also become trapped in between your teeth causing serious gum infections.
DO NOT EAT HARD FOODS SUCH AS:
- Jaw Breakers
- Hard Candy
- Jolly Ranchers
- Nuts
- Bread Sticks
- Hard Edge Crust on Pizza
- Hard Crust on French or Garlic Bread
- Ice Cubes
- Hard Crackers or Cookies
- Corn Nuts
- Granola cereal or bars
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
FOODS YOU MAY STILL ENJOY:
- Grapes
- Cheese
- Yogurt (without nuts)
- Corn and Cheese Puffs
- Peanut Butter Cups
- Potato Chips
- Light Crackers such as Ritz or Saltines
- Bananas
- Melons
- Nestle Crunch Bars
Most meats, fruits and vegetables are allowed. Do be careful with apples, raw carrots and celery. They must be cut into small bite size pieces or thin strips before eating.
Remember, it is especially important to brush after eating any sweets since these promote tooth decay.
Note: Loose and broken appliances will prolong treatment and result in additional costs.
