{"id":201,"date":"2026-01-24T15:32:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T15:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/?p=201"},"modified":"2026-02-03T15:35:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T15:35:15","slug":"brace-yourself-surprising-cavity-causing-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/brace-yourself-surprising-cavity-causing-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"Brace Yourself: Surprising Cavity-Causing Foods That Can Harm Your Orthodontic Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When most people think of cavities, candy and soda usually come to mind first. And while these items are major culprits, they are far from the only ones! In fact, some everyday foods and drinks that seem harmless or even healthy can quietly increase your risk for tooth decay, especially while you\u2019re undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you or a loved one wears braces<\/a> or clear aligners<\/a>, keeping cavities at bay is more important than ever. Here are some surprising cavity-causing foods and some smile-friendly alternatives you can enjoy instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Cavities Are a Bigger Deal During Orthodontic Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Braces, wires, and attachments create extra nooks and crannies inside the mouth where plaque and food particles love to hide. Similarly, Invisalign clear aligners trap bacteria against the teeth for longer periods of time. When bacteria feed on leftover sugar and starches, they produce acids that weaken enamel and lead to cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re unfortunate enough to get a cavity during orthodontic treatment, it might slow down your progress\u2014or worse, it might cause permanent damage that requires a filling or another restoration before your orthodontic care can continue. All in all, it\u2019s best to keep your smile as healthy as possible during this process, and your diet plays a big part in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surprising Foods & Drinks That Cause Cavities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be shocked to see some of these items on the list, but the truth is, they can contribute to cavities whether you believe it or not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n