Braces are a fantastic way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile, but they do require a bit of extra care—especially when it comes to your diet. Certain foods can damage your braces, delay your treatment, or cause discomfort. To keep your treatment on track, it’s important to know which foods to avoid. Here’s a helpful list from your trusted orthodontist in Monroe, Caples & Robinson Orthodontics:

1. Hard & Sticky Candy
These sugary treats can be a nightmare for braces. Sticky candy clings to wires and brackets, which can lead to breakage or bending. Not to mention, the sugar can stick around and increase your risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

2. Popcorn
Popcorn kernels are notorious for getting stuck between brackets and wires. Plus, the risk of biting into an unpopped kernel can lead to serious damage to your braces.

3. Nuts
While nutritious, nuts are hard enough to potentially break brackets or bend wires. Small fragments can also become lodged in your braces, causing discomfort.

4. Chewy & Gummy Candy
Sticky and clingy, gummy candies pose a high risk to braces. Not only can they cause damage, but their high sugar content can lead to plaque buildup, which is especially tricky to clean with braces.

5. Hard Pretzels & Chips
The satisfying crunch of hard pretzels or chips can spell trouble for braces. Pieces can get trapped between wires, and the hard texture could cause damage to your brackets.

6. Corn on the Cob
Biting directly into corn on the cob can damage your braces. If you love corn, we suggest cutting it off the cob and eating it in bite-sized portions.

7. Raw Carrots & Apples
While these healthy snacks are great for your body, biting into them can break your braces. Make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to enjoy without risk.

8. Chewing Gum
Gum may be fun to chew, but it’s not friendly to braces. It sticks to wires and brackets, making it difficult to clean. Plus, sugary gum can contribute to plaque buildup.

9. Hard Tacos
The crunch of a hard taco shell can cause damage to your braces. Try opting for soft tacos while you’re in treatment for a braces-friendly alternative.

10. Ice
Chewing on ice is a common habit, but it’s one that can be particularly damaging to braces. Ice can cause discomfort and lead to broken brackets or wires.

While this list may seem long, it’s a temporary adjustment for the long-term reward of a beautifully aligned smile. Avoiding these foods helps prevent unnecessary trips to your orthodontist in Monroe and ensures your braces work as efficiently as possible.

If you have any questions about food choices or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Caples & Robinson Orthodontics. With the right care and attention, your journey to a perfect smile will be smooth and successful!