Prohibited Foods

Wearing braces creates some dietary restrictions. Orthodontic braces are intended to be removed. Eating certain foods may cause brackets, bands and wires to come off, become loose or dislodge. We encourage patients to avoid this experience by following the guidelines below. If a bracket or band becomes loose or a wire becomes dislodged, the braces stop working, and we must see the patient immediately at an emergency appointment. This delays treatment.

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.

The following foods will likely create an emergency visit.

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)

Minimize Sugary Foods like:

  • Cake
  • Ice Cream
  • Cookies
  • Pie
  • Candy

Only Once a Day:

  • Clear Soda ** DO NOT DRINK REGULAR COLAS**
  • Sweetened tea
  • Gatorade
  • Kool-Aid
  • Drinks with sugar

AVOID SUGARS

While in braces, avoid food and drinks that contain refined sugars, as there is an increase risk in dental decay. If you do eat or drink these items, brush immediately after their consumption. If you cannot brush, vigorously rinse with water.

NO DARK COLAS

Do not drink Colas. The ph contained in cola creates “sugar-acid” on your teeth. Drinking colas will result in white squares, or decalcification on the teeth where the braces were bonded. This is caused by the acids dissolving the tooth enamel that is exposed, and not protected by the bracket.

CITRUS

Please avoid sucking on lemons or limes. (the citric acid in juice may dissolve tooth enamel).

Avoid placing anything in your mouth that may possibly bend, pry, break, pull or knock off your braces.

We encourage you to avoid:

  • Chewing on pens or pencils
  • Lip biting
  • Biting your fingernails
  • Pushing your tongue against your teeth
  • Tearing anything with your teeth