Foods to Avoid with Braces

Food provides some of the greatest joys this life has to offer. However, in some instances, it’s best to avoid certain foods based on your current health situation. Unfortunately, this is the case for those who wear braces. To keep these oral appliances working as they should, it’s important to avoid foods that can damage these devices.

Keep reading to learn about the most common foods to avoid if you have braces.

Anything Hard and Crunchy

Biting down on anything overly hard or crunchy could cause serious damage to your braces. Although your orthodontic device is made of metal, it could still damage the wires and brackets that hold the appliance together. Do your best to avoid hard candies, pretzels, nuts, and popcorn. Unfortunately, you may also have to limit eating some healthy foods, such as raw carrots and other hard vegetables.

If you ever experience an issue with your braces, the experts at Tompkins Orthodontics are here to help. We can diagnose the problem quickly and make the repair as soon as possible. Many of our patients say we provide the best orthodontic treatment in Columbia, SC! Call us today to make an appointment.

Chewy and Sticky Foods

Limiting chewy and sticky foods is also a good idea, as these can easily get caught in your braces. Removing these foods from your braces is almost impossible, and they can also cause damage. Furthermore, this stuck food can lead to the growth of excess bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and other dental issues.

Try to avoid the following during your orthodontic treatment:

• Chewy candy
• Licorice
• Caramel
• Dried fruits
• Snack bars
• Peanut butter
• Chewing gum

While it may be tempting to eat these foods, they can do much more harm than good! Try to avoid them to keep your braces in excellent condition.

Tough Meats

Tough, hard-to-chew meats are another poor food choice for those with braces. Chewing these foods can be very difficult, and they can also get stuck around your brackets and wires. Do your best to avoid eating beef jerky, pork chops, and well-done steak.

Whether you need an orthodontic repair or new treatment, contact Tompkins Orthodontics today to make an appointment! We’re happy to have the toporthodontist in Columbia, SC!