Foods to avoid with braces
Having braces requires some adjustments in daily life, including your food choices. Certain foods can damage or delay your treatment. Here’s a guide on what to avoid and tips on managing your diet with braces.
Foods to avoid:
Hard foods:
Nuts, ice, and hard candies can strain the braces and cause damage.
Sticky foods:
Caramel and gum can get stuck in the braces, causing discomfort and potential damage.
Whole fruits:
Biting directly into hard fruits like apples can put extra force on the braces and cause damage
Popcorn:
Kernels and shells can get trapped in the braces, causing discomfort and potential harm.
Tips for eating with braces:
Cut food into small pieces:
This reduces pressure on the braces and makes chewing easier.
Chew with back teeth:
Use your molars, which are better suited for chewing without affecting the braces.
Drink plenty of water:
Helps wash away food particles and reduce irritation.
Clean braces after meals:
Use a braces or interdental brush to remove food and bacteria to keep the braces clean and effective.
Proper care allows you to enjoy most foods. If you have any concerns during your treatment, feel free to contact us.
Consequences of Poor Braces Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with your orthodontic progress and oral hygiene. Common problems include loosening of the braces, which can cause teeth to shift back to their original positions, extending the treatment time by about a month for each damage. A poorly maintained brace can also lead to difficulty keeping teeth and gums clean, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
We’ll support you throughout your treatment and provide a retainer for post-treatment care.
Consequences of Poor Braces Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with your orthodontic progress and oral hygiene. Common problems include loosening of the braces, which can cause teeth to shift back to their original positions, extending the treatment time by about a month for each damage. A poorly maintained brace can also lead to difficulty keeping teeth and gums clean, resulting in cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
We’ll support you throughout your treatment and provide a retainer for post-treatment care.
What should you avoid eating with braces?
You should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as nuts, caramels, chewing gum, ice, hard candy, and whole apples. These can damage the braces or get stuck and delay the treatment.
Can you eat chocolate with braces?
Yes, soft chocolate without nuts or caramel can be eaten with braces. It is best to choose dark or milk chocolate without filling and avoid biting into large, hard pieces.
Can you eat chips with braces?
Chips can be eaten with caution. They can break into sharp pieces and get stuck in the braces. Choose softer varieties, chew slowly, and avoid large bites.
Can you chew gum with braces?
It is generally not recommended to chew gum with fixed braces, as it can get stuck and be difficult to remove. If your dentist allows it, it should be sugar-free and only in small amounts.
How should you eat with braces?
Cut your food into small pieces, chew with your back teeth, and drink plenty of water during meals. This helps protect the braces and makes eating more comfortable.
What happens if I don’t take proper care of my braces?
If the braces break or become loose, the teeth can shift back and your treatment may be extended by up to one month per issue. Poor maintenance can also lead to cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
Sornsiri Sae-Wang
Founder, manager and orthodontist at OrthodonticsCPH with extensive experience in treating children, adolescents and adults.