Foods to Avoid

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard or sticky foods must be avoided because they can break or damage wires and brackets. Nail biting, pen and pencil chewing, and chewing on a foreign object should also be avoided. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires.

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:

• Gum (sugar-free or regular)
• Licorice
• Sugar Daddies
• Toffee
• Tootsie Rolls
• Caramels
• Starburst

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

• Ice
• Nuts
• Hard taco shells
• French bread crust/rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
• Bagels
• Chips
• Jolly Ranchers
• Pizza crust
• Uncooked carrots (unless cut)

It's important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment to examine the problem.