Orthodontic patient holding a slice of watermelon in front of her face as if it's a smile because she knows there are certain foods to avoid when wearing braces

Foods to avoid with braces

At Gulf Coast Orthodontics, we understand that maintaining your braces is key to achieving a beautiful smile. One crucial aspect of braces care is being mindful of the foods you eat to prevent damage or discomfort. Certain foods can pose a risk to your braces, such as hard, sticky, or crunchy items. For example, avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, nuts, and popcorn, as they can potentially break or damage your braces. Similarly, sticky foods like caramel, gum, and taffy can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities and plaque buildup. By avoiding these foods and opting for braces-friendly alternatives, you can protect your braces and maintain optimal oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment journey with us.

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.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

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

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)