Braces are delicate and easily damaged, so what you eat becomes especially important in caring for your appliances. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems.
Sticky and Hard Foods
- Chewing gum
- Tootsie Rolls
- Caramels
- Starburst
- Ice
- Nuts
- Bagels
- Corn on the cob
- Pizza crust
- Apples and Carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Popcorn
- Drinks with sugar
