What do you give up with braces?

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods can damage braces or make them less effective. Here are some foods to avoid while wearing braces:

Hard foods: These foods can damage the brackets on your braces or bend the wires. Some examples include nuts, hard candy, ice, and raw vegetables.

Chewy foods: These foods can stick to your braces and cause them to become loose. Some examples include gum, caramels, taffy, and licorice.

Sugary foods: Sugar can feed the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Some examples include candy, soda, juice, and sports drinks.

Acidic foods: Acidic foods can damage the enamel on your teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities. Some examples include citrus fruits, pickles, and vinegar.

It's important to avoid these foods while wearing braces in order to protect your teeth and keep your treatment on track.

Other Tips for Wearing Braces

In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are other things you can do to care for your braces and ensure that your treatment is successful. Here are some tips:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and braces, and prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing too hard. This can damage the brackets on your braces and irritate your gums.

Rinse your mouth with water after eating. This will help to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your braces.

Avoid playing contact sports or participating in other activities that could damage your braces. If you do participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces.

See your orthodontist regularly for checkups and adjustments. This is important to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.