Getting braces brings you one step closer to having a better smile. Your ticket to getting your dream dentition, however, comes with strict dietary guidelines you need to follow. Certain foods can damage your braces and lead to discomfort, extended treatment, and cost you more. Knowing what food to avoid is very important, especially when you are new to the journey. In this article, we will discuss foods that you should stay away from to protect your braces and keep your treatment on track. 

Hard or Crunchy foods

Crunchy foods introduce pressure to braces and can cause the brackets to break. You want to avoid slowing down your treatment or being in discomfort. Here are some hard foods to stay away from:

• Nuts – They can break brackets or bend wires.
• Hard candies – Biting down on them can crack your braces.
• Popcorn – The kernels can get stuck between teeth and brackets, potentially leading to infections.
• Ice – Chewing on ice can damage both your braces and your teeth.

Whenever you crave something crunchy, go for softer alternatives like sliced fruits or steamed vegetables. These options are easier on braces. 

Sticky Food

Chewy and Sticky foods cause the most damage to braces. They easily get lodged in the brackets and wires, making them hard to clean. It could also increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Here are some sticky foods to avoid:

• Chewing gum – It can stick to braces and be difficult to remove.
• Caramel and toffee – These can pull on the brackets, causing it to get loose
• Gummy candies – They can easily get stuck between wires and brackets.

There are no alternatives to chewy foods when you have braces, it is better to stay away from them in general. 

Sugary Foods

Dentists would advise you to stay away from eating too much sugar or acidic foods even without braces. This is because it increases the risk of cavities and plaque buildup which could form around brackets and wires when you have braces. Acidic food can weaken the enamel and put your teeth at risk. Sugary and acidic foods to avoid include:

• Soda and sports drinks – These are highly acidic and full of sugar.
• Candy and chocolate – Too much sugar can lead to decay, especially when trapped around braces.
• Citrus fruits (in excess) – Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits can erode enamel over time.

Choose Bubble Children’s Dentistry For Your Child’s Orthodontic Procedures

In place of these, go for healthier snacks like cheese and fresh fruits. Proper brace maintenance requires professional guidance. At Bubble Children’s Dentistry, we provide top-tier orthodontic care with personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Our team is committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile while ensuring your braces stay in the best condition possible. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at (617) 655-9410.