Braces are a great way to improve your smile, but they can also make it difficult to enjoy certain foods. Braces require special care and attention, so it’s important to be aware of the foods that can potentially damage them. Here is a list of the foods to avoid eating while wearing braces.
- Hard & Sticky Candy: These sweets are the arch-nemesis of braces. They cling to wires and brackets, leading to possible damage. Plus, the sugar from these candies can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Popcorn: Those little kernels love to wedge themselves between brackets and wires, causing discomfort and possible damage. The unpopped ones? They’re a braces disaster waiting to happen.
- Nuts: Their hard nature can cause a casualty among your brackets and wires. Plus, shell fragments can lodge in uncomfortable places.
- Chewy & Gummy Candy: Imagine sticky candy, but with a more intense clinginess. They stubbornly stick to your braces, causing irritation and, yes, potential damage. The sugar problem stands here too.
- Hard Pretzels & Chips: These crunchy delights can get trapped between your braces and cause discomfort. Their hard texture can also deliver a heavy blow to your braces.
- Corn on the Cob: With its kernels prone to getting stuck in the most inconvenient places, corn on the cob is a braces-wearing individual’s culinary challenge. Plus, biting directly into the cob can harm your braces.
- Raw Carrots & Apples: These crunchy fruits and veggies can cause damage if bitten into directly. Cut them into manageable, bite-sized pieces instead.
- Chewing Gum: The stickiness of gum can spell trouble for braces. Not only does it adhere stubbornly to brackets and wires, but the sugar in it can also contribute to plaque buildup and decay.
- Hard Tacos: While delicious, the crunchy shell can get lodged in your braces and cause damage. Opt for soft shell tacos during your braces tenure.
- Ice: Ice can cause discomfort and damage to your braces. It may also weaken brackets, causing them to loosen.
This list might seem overwhelming, but remember, these are only temporary sacrifices for the long-term payoff of a beautifully aligned smile. What’s more, knowing what could potentially harm your braces helps you avoid unnecessary orthodontic adjustments. With optimal oral hygiene habits and a little vigilance in your food choices, your braces will get you to your dream smile in no time! For more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact our office!
