Foods to Avoid

Sugary and starchy foods cause the bacteria in your mouth to generate acids that deteriorate the teeth. Plaque buildup leads to irritated, red, and tender gums that are prone to bleeding. Irritated gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that will then be filled with bacteria. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can become worn down and the teeth will then become loose or have to be extracted. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

To get the best results from your orthodontic treatment, we recommend avoiding hard foods, sticky foods, and foods with high sugar content. You should also avoid bad habits such as nail-biting, pencil/pen chewing, and chewing on any foreign objects.

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

Check your braces for damaged, bent, or lose wires and brackets. If you find anything that needs repair, call us immediately to arrange an appointment.