Protect your smile by skipping these common troublemakers
Wearing braces is a big step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it also comes with a few changes to your eating habits. Certain foods can damage your brackets, bend wires, or increase your risk for cavities and staining. The good news? Most of your favorites have a braces-friendly alternative!
Here’s a quick guide to foods you should avoid (and why), plus some helpful swaps to keep your treatment on track.
Sticky & Chewy Foods
Sticky foods can pull brackets off and get stuck in hard-to-clean places.
Avoid:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy bears
- Fruit roll-ups
- Starburst
Try Instead:
- Soft chocolates (no nuts or caramel)
- Pudding
- Applesauce
Hard & Crunchy Foods
These can break brackets and wires, delaying your progress.
Avoid:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Hard taco shells
- Hard candies (Jawbreakers, Jolly Ranchers)
Try Instead:
- Peanut butter
- Popcorn-flavored rice cakes
- Soft tacos
- Cheese puffs
Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
Crunchy produce is great for your health—but not for your braces.
Avoid:
- Raw apples
- Raw carrots
- Corn on the cob
Try Instead:
- Sliced apples (very thin)
- Steamed or roasted carrots
- Corn off the cob
Chewy Breads
Thick or chewy bread can stick to brackets and make cleaning a challenge.
Avoid:
- Bagels
- Hard rolls
- Pizza crust
Try Instead:
- Soft sandwich bread
- Cut-up pancakes or waffles
- Thin-crust, well-cooked pizza (cut into small bites)
Sugary Snacks & Drinks
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities, especially around brackets.
Avoid:
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Sugary cereals
- Candy
Try Instead:
- Water or flavored sparkling water
- Whole grain cereal with milk
- Fruit (not dried)
Pro Tip: Clean After Every Meal
Even with the right foods, it’s important to brush and floss after eating. Carry a travel toothbrush or rinse with water when you’re on the go!
Let’s Keep That Smile on Track!
Avoiding the wrong foods helps keep your treatment on time and your mouth healthy. If you are ever unsure about what’s safe to eat, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help!
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