What foods should be avoided?
Food that is not properly removed from your braces can cause discoloration and decay of your teeth as well as gum disease. Also, keep in mind that your braces are fragile and can be damaged by eating the wrong foods. Reduce sugar intake by limiting foods and drinks like candy, cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, soda, iced tea, lemonade, fruit juices.… Sticky foods increase the risk of dental decay and breakage of your orthodontic appliances. The following foods should NOT be eaten during treatment: gum, caramels, caramel apples, toffee, Now & Laters, Sugar Daddies, Sugar Babies, Tootsie Rolls, Starbursts, licorice, Gummy Bears, dates, figs, …. Hard foods can break your orthodontic appliances. The following foods can be eaten but with CAUTION: nuts, popcorn, bagels, pizza crust, ice, corn on the cob, beef jerky, spare ribs, hard pretzels, chips, apples, raw carrots, …. Remember to avoid chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails.
