Getting traditional braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it also comes with a new set of rules, especially when it comes to what you eat. While most people know they’ll need to make a few adjustments, it can be surprising just how many everyday foods are actually off the table. But the good news is, once you know what to avoid and why, navigating mealtime with braces becomes much easier—and you won’t have to worry about any treatment setbacks! Here’s what you need to know.
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Avoid Hard Foods That Can Break Your Brackets
One of the biggest risks when you have braces is eating foods that are too hard. When you bite into something crunchy or tough, the force can pop a bracket right off your tooth or bend the archwire, both of which will require an unexpected trip back to your orthodontist. Common culprits include raw carrots, whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, corn on the cob, popcorn kernels, and nuts. Even chewing on ice cubes while finishing your drink can cause serious damage to your hardware!
Be Mindful of Sticky & Chewy Items That Get Trapped in Braces
Foods like caramel, taffy, gummy bears, chewing gum, and even dried fruit have a way of wedging themselves deep into the brackets and wires in ways that are extremely difficult to brush or floss out. Left behind, that sticky residue becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even discoloration on the enamel around the brackets. Chewy foods like bagels, tough meats, and certain breads can also have the same effect.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods, The Best You Can
While sugary and acidic foods won’t necessarily break your braces, they can do significant damage to your teeth while they’re in treatment. With brackets covering portions of your enamel, it’s harder to clean your teeth thoroughly, which means sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks, as well as acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar-based snacks, have more opportunity to erode enamel and cause cavities. Limiting these foods (and rinsing with water after consuming them) goes a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy underneath your braces so that your smile looks its best when the brackets come off.
Protecting your braces from damage is one of the most effective ways to keep your treatment on track and on schedule. By steering clear of hard, sticky, chewy, and sugary foods, you’re not just protecting your brackets—you’re investing in the results you’ve been working toward!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, our team is proud to serve patients across Holliston and the surrounding New England area with exceptional orthodontic care, including traditional braces for all ages. Our talented team is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles they’ll love for a lifetime. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today or call your nearest location to schedule your free consultation. Holliston Office Telephone: (508) 429-7800.
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