Foods & Habits to Avoid

Use common sense. Think before eating.

1. Avoid hard or sticky foods because they can loosen or detach a bracket or band. These foods can also cause cavities under the braces. They can also bend the wires and cause the teeth to move in unwanted directions. Be careful!
2. No candy, gum, popcorn, raisins, licorice, gummy bears, caramels, etc.
3. No eating meat off the bone
4. No nuts
5. No hard chocolates
6. Slice fruits and vegetables into small pieces (ex: carrots, apples, celery)
7. Don’t chew ice cubes
8. Be careful with pits in olives, peaches, cherries, plums, apricots, etc.
9. Don’t eat corn off the cob
10. Don’t eat crunchy cereals
11. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and acid, for example: soft drinks (high in sugar and acid) and avoid sucking on lemons (high in acid). Check the ingredients list if you are not certain. Sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay. If you do not brush and floss well, bacteria forms and turns into plaque. The bacteria multiplies and the plaque grows in size and thickness. The bacteria produces acid as it eats up sugar. This acid dissolves the minerals that make your tooth enamel hard. Eventually a cavity or hole will form. While wearing braces, decalcification of the enamel can occur. This is the starting of a cavity. It is a permanent discoloration or scarring that can occur around each bracket. When the braces are removed after completion of treatment, your teeth will be straight, but permanently scarred. If you cannot brush after meals, at least rinse well.
12. Don’t bite your nails
13. Don’t play with your braces or appliances. Don’t put your fingers or any foreign objects into your mouth (ex: toys, pens, pencils, jewelry, etc.)
Note: If you play contact sports, please ask us about a protective sports guard.