Although some patients are able to eat or drink almost anything while in braces and have no ill effects, there are certain dietary habits that are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Our aim is to achieve the treatment goals with as few disturbances to appliances as possible and to minimize the side effects of poor diet choices. Remember, teeth move best in a healthy environment. A well-balanced diet is critical to good treatment results.
Potential harm to your teeth and gums
Foods and drinks, which your dentist has suggested may cause dental cavities, should be restricted while wearing braces. Sticky foods are to be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. If foods or drinks high in sugar are to be consumed, we advise having them with regular meals or at one given time of day. Please make sure that careful brushing and rinsing take place immediately afterward. Between-meal snacks should be limited to foods without refined sugar and should be followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing if a toothbrush is not available.
Potential harm to your braces
Braces are attached to your teeth with an adhesive that normally will withstand the forces of eating. However, braces can be dislodged and wires bent or broken while eating certain foods. Hard foods should be avoided. Chewing ice cubes, pencils, and fingernails can also be very destructive to your appliances. Some foods such as whole apples, raw carrots, or celery are healthy snacks but must be cut into bite-size pieces to prevent damage to your braces.
The following foods can be particularly harmful to your teeth, gums, and/or appliances while wearing braces:
- Sticky food or candy of any kind (taffy, caramels, Skittles, Starbursts, licorice, suckers, etc.)
- Hard foods or candy of any kind (Jolly Ranchers, ice, beef jerky, Corn Nuts, etc.)
- Soda
- Popcorn
- Peanuts or seeds in the shell (sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
- Gum
Remember, if you have any questions about dietary restrictions or good food choices, please ask! |
