What Can’t You Eat With Braces?

Getting braces from Havens Orthodontics in Fresno is an exciting step towards achieving the smile of your dreams, but it also comes with a few lifestyle adjustments. One of the most significant changes you'll encounter is modifying your diet to protect your braces and ensure the treatment progresses smoothly. 

While it might seem daunting at first, knowing what foods to avoid can prevent damage to your braces and help you stay on track for a successful orthodontic journey. In this blog, we'll get into the specifics of what you should steer clear of while wearing braces, ensuring your path to a perfect smile is as seamless as possible.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky and chewy foods are notorious for wreaking havoc on braces. These foods can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean and potentially leading to damage and a higher risk of cavities during treatment. Here are some common sticky and chewy foods to avoid:

• Caramel and toffee
• Gummy candies
• Licorice
• Chewing gum
• Fruit snacks

By steering clear of these sticky treats, you can prevent unnecessary trips to the orthodontist and keep your braces in top condition.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods pose a significant risk to braces, as they can easily break brackets, wires, and other components of your braces. It's essential to avoid biting directly into these foods to prevent damage. You should avoid the following:

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Hard candies
• Ice cubes
• Raw vegetables like carrots (unless cut into small pieces)

Opting for softer alternatives or cutting hard foods into smaller, more manageable pieces can help protect your braces while still allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

While sugary foods and drinks don't directly harm your braces, they can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues if not properly managed. The sugar can get trapped around the brackets and wires, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. To minimize the risk, try to limit your intake of:

• Soda, sports, and energy drinks
• Sugary coffee and tea
• Sweetened cereals
• Cakes and pastries
• Ice cream and milkshakes

When you do indulge in something sweet, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to remove any lingering sugar particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Foods That Require Biting Into

Tough or hard foods that require you to bite directly into them can pose a challenge for those with braces. The pressure from biting can cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend, delaying your treatment. It's best to avoid biting directly into:

• Whole apples (slice them instead)
• Corn on the cob (remove the kernels first)
• Bagels, baguettes, and bread with hard crusts
• Pizza crusts

By making small adjustments, like cutting these foods into smaller pieces or choosing softer options, you can enjoy your meals without compromising the integrity of your braces.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation in Fresno Today!

At Havens Orthodontics, we understand that adjusting to life with braces can be a challenge, but our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you're ready to start your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile, or if you have any questions about your braces-friendly diet, don't hesitate to reach out. 

Dr. Havens and our dedicated team are eager to assist you with personalized care and expert advice. Contact us today at (559) 448-9870 to schedule your appointment in Fresno, CA, and take the next step towards achieving the smile you've always wanted!