Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces

Braces can effectively correct a variety of mild, moderate, and severe alignment issues. Here at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer orthodontics for all ages.

To maintain good oral health while wearing braces, it’s important to follow any instructions we give you. This involves avoiding certain foods that can get caught in your braces and even damage them. For example, here are a few foods to avoid while wearing braces:

Popcorn & Chips

Popcorn, though tasty, can get caught in your braces very easily. Hard unpopped hulls can also be a problem. Even people without braces know the frustration of popcorn kernels stuck between their teeth and in their gums. Corn chips present a similar problem, so it’s best to avoid those, as well.

Sticky & Hard Candy

These sweet treats aren’t great for anyone’s teeth but are especially risky when wearing braces. Sticky candy (like caramel, gummies, taffy, and sugary gum) easily get caught in braces’ brackets and wires and are challenging to clean off. Hard candies, which you hold in your mouth a long time, coat your teeth in sugar and increase the risk of decay. And if you bite a hard piece of candy, it can damage your braces.

Beef Jerky & Dried Fruit

Dried meats are tough and chewy. Eating a wad of beef jerry can loosen the brackets and wires of your braces. Strands of meat can also get caught in your braces, making the cleaning process more difficult. Like sticky candy, dried fruit can get stuck in your braces and increase your risk of tooth decay.

Bagels & Pizza Crust

Like beef jerky, bagels and pizza crusts have a tough, chewy texture. Eating these types of bread can put a lot of strain on your braces, bending wires and damaging brackets. Any tough bread can be a problem, so stick to soft loaves.

Orthodontics for All Ages in Laredo, TX

Here at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Laredo, TX, our team is committed to providing your family with the best dental and orthodontic solutions possible. We would be thrilled to answer any questions you might about our orthodontic services. Contact us today to set up a consultation at our Laredo office!

Categorised in: Braces, Orthodontic Tips