When you have braces, you must take care of them so you get the very best results. One of the ways you care for your braces is to avoid eating foods that can damage them. Hard, sticky, and sugary foods all have the potential to cause significant issues, as do habits like nail biting and pen chewing. To help you maintain your braces, here are some foods to avoid.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid

• Gum (sugar-free or regular)
• Licorice
• Sugar Daddies/Babies
• Gummy Bears
• Toffee
• Tootsie Rolls
• Caramels
• Starbursts
• Now & Laters

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid

• Ice
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Jerky
• Hard taco shells
• French bread crust/rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
• Bagels
• Chips
• Jolly Ranchers
• Pizza crust
• Hard pretzels
• Turrónes

Examples of Sugary Foods to Minimize

• Cake
• Ice Cream
• Cookies
• Pie
• Candy

Only Once a Day

• Soda
• Sweetened tea
• Gatorade/Powerade
• Kool-Aid
• Energy drinks

Be sure to check your appliance often for any damage. If you find problems, call us immediately.

Click here here to download a printable Orthodontic Diet Chart (with solutions for any problems)!

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