Braces are extremely sturdy and durable, but they are still capable of being popped off, dislodged or damaged if the patient eats the wrong thing. As a rule of thumb, avoid any food that is overly chewy, sticky or hard. Here is a list of foods that aren’t recommended while wearing braces:
- nuts
- popcorn
- tortilla chips
- sticky or hard candy, especially taffy and caramel or anything “gummy”
- ice
- chewing gum
- beef jerky
- hard cookies, crackers or wafers
- corn on the cob
Some foods are okay to eat, but will need to be eaten carefully. Biting into foods with your front teeth can seriously damage your brackets, and biting into something and then making a “tearing” motion can also damage your braces. The following foods should be consumed carefully when wearing braces:
- thick bread, such as French or Italian bread
- bagels or hard rolls
- raw vegetables like celery or carrots
- raw fruits like apples, pears or plums
- meat such as steak or pork loin
- ribs
- pizza crust
- pickles
Some foods are approved completely for consumption, such as:
- bananas
- yogurt
- hull-less popcorn
- cheese
- grapes
- melons
- mashed potatoes
- pasta
- peanut butter and jelly
In addition to being aware of the foods you’re eating, be aware of your personal habits. Do you bite your nails? With braces, you will want to stop. Chewing pens and pencils is also a habit you’ll have to break, or you’ll risk damage to your braces.
Speak to Burbank CA orthodontist Dr. Fotovat if you have any questions about what foods or activities you should eschew while wearing braces. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying life after braces, eating what you like with your straight, aligned teeth. Until then, treat your braces with care!
