Braces are orthodontic appliances that you need to treat with care. While sturdy, it still means that eating foods that are gentle on the brackets and wires that hold your braces together and in place is important. Generally, avoid all foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy. Soft foods are most recommended for those who wear braces because they are simply easier on your mouth hardware.
Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- Sticky and hard candy
- Gum
- Ice
- Corn chips
- Pretzels
- Hard cookies or crackers
- Sticky or hard chocolate
- Caramel and gooey chocolate bars
- Very sticky or chunky peanut butter
Use caution when eating:
- Chewy bread such as bagels – tear into small pieces
- Chips – eat them carefully and one at a time
- Corn on the cob – cut off the cob
- Apples and carrots – cut into small pieces
- Soda and sugary drinks – avoid these whenever possible, as drinking too much can cause tooth decay
Also avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. Such as:
- Raw vegetables
- Croutons
- French/Italian bread
- Fruit
- Hard rolls
- Thin crust pizza
- Meat
- Burgers
- Sub sandwiches
- Corn on the cob
Finally, don’t chew on any hard items such as ice, pens, pencils, or fingernails.