Foods to avoid

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial during your orthodontic treatment. While common sense can guide you in many instances, here are some specific guidelines to follow:

Avoid hard foods, as they can damage wires and brackets.

Limit sticky foods, as they can become trapped within your orthodontic appliances.

Minimize sugary foods and drinks, as they contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Additionally, refrain from habits such as nail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, and chewing on foreign objects. These actions can damage your orthodontic appliances and hinder your treatment progress.

By following these dietary recommendations and avoiding harmful habits, you can help ensure a successful and comfortable orthodontic journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

Gum (sugar-free or regular)
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

Ice
Nuts
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
Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

Only Once a Day:

Soda
Sweetened Tea
Gatorade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with Sugar

It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.