List of Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces

Braces can straighten your teeth, while providing you with a healthy-looking smile. Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, you want to avoid certain foods when wearing your braces. Without proper care, damaged braces can require replacement. The list of what to avoid ranges from chewy candies to crunchy celery sticks.

Chewy Candies and Gum

• Avoid chewy candies such as caramel and jelly beans, as well as gum. Craig Davis Orthodontics states chewy candies or gum can damage your orthodontic appliances. Another disadvantage is sugar content, which can cause tooth decay. Damage to your orthodontic appliances requires visiting the dentist.

Crunchy Chips and Cookies

• You can continue snacking, but monitor the types of snacks. Avoid eating crunchy snacks, including chocolate chip cookies, popcorn and baked tacos. Exchange these crunchy snacks with healthier, softer snacks. ArchWired.com provides some soft food suggestions. Choose gelatin, plain ice cream or low-fat pudding to eat during the day.

Hard Breads and Hard Baked Goods

• Eating hard breads can lead to scratches on your orthodontic appliances. ArchWired.com gives soft bread and baked goods options, such as buttered corn muffins. Additional food choices include fluffy banana pancakes or butter rolls for breakfast. Order soft bread and baked goods when dining at restaurants. Avoid ordering harder food items such as garlic toast.

Other Foods to Avoid

• You want to avoid other foods when wearing your braces, including acidic foods, which can damage your tooth enamel. Lemons and limes are two types of acidic foods. If you are a hot tea drinker, exchange lemon juice for whole milk or cream. If you drink cold drinks, avoid ice cubs, which can create cracks where the cement bonds on your braces. Avoid other food choices such as hard peanuts or crunchy celery sticks.