Braces are a significant investment in your orthodontic health and appearance. Whether you’re a teen just starting out with traditional metal braces or an adult using ceramic brackets, taking care of your orthodontic appliances is crucial for achieving the best results in the shortest time possible.

One of the most overlooked aspects of braces care is diet. Certain foods can damage braces, cause delays in treatment, and even increase the risk of oral health problems. So, if you’re wondering what foods I should avoid with braces, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Foods You Should Avoid Eating With Braces

Here are the key types of food our orthodontist Dr Kanupriya Tewari at Queen City Smiles Orthodontics will recommend you to avoid while wearing braces, along with tips on how to make smarter food choices.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods are one of the most common causes of braces-related problems. Their texture allows them to get lodged between brackets and wires, where they are very difficult to remove. This can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues. Sticky foods to avoid include –

• Chewing gum
• Caramel
• Taffy
• Gummy candies
• Toffee

These foods also pose a risk of pulling off brackets or bending wires. Completely avoiding sticky items is one of the simplest ways to protect your braces and ensure your treatment stays on track.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods can be deceptively dangerous for braces wearers. Biting down on something too firm can easily cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend, leading to discomfort and unexpected orthodontic visits in Charlotte, NC. Common hard foods to avoid include –

 • Nuts
• Ice
• Hard candies
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Raw carrots or apples

If you enjoy fruits and vegetables, consider steaming or chopping them into small pieces to reduce pressure on your braces. A braces-friendly diet can still include nutritious options with the right preparation.

Chewy and Dense Breads

While bread might seem safe, certain varieties can be surprisingly tough on braces. Chewy or dense breads can stick to brackets and be difficult to clean, while also putting strain on the hardware. Breads to avoid or limit include

• Bagels
• Pizza crust
• Hard rolls
• French bread

Softer breads are easier to chew and less likely to cause problems. If you do eat denser bread, cut it into small pieces and chew slowly using your back teeth.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar is not directly harmful to braces, but it can be a major problem when combined with poor cleaning. With brackets and wires creating more surface area for food to cling to, sugary items can easily lead to plaque buildup and cavities if not properly removed. Sugary items to limit include-

• Candy and chocolate with sticky fillings
• Cakes and cookies
• Sweetened juices
• Sodas and energy drinks
• Flavored sports drinks

If you choose to enjoy something sweet, be sure to brush and floss afterward. Good orthodontic food care includes cleaning your braces thoroughly after every meal or snack.

Foods That Require Front-Teeth Biting

Some foods may not seem problematic at first, but biting into them with your front teeth can easily lead to broken brackets or wires. These types of foods should either be avoided or eaten in a modified form. Foods that require biting into with the front teeth include –

• Whole apples
• Corn on the cob
• Chicken wings and drumsticks
• Thick sandwiches or subs
• Ribs

Instead of biting into these directly, cut them into small pieces and chew using your back teeth. This reduces pressure on the brackets attached to your front teeth and helps you avoid unnecessary repairs.

Conclusion

A successful braces journey is not only about attending regular orthodontic appointments but also about making smart decisions in your daily routine. By avoiding sticky, hard, chewy, sugary, and bite-intensive foods, you can protect your braces.