During orthodontic treatment, it is important to be mindful of the types of foods you consume to ensure the success and efficiency of your treatment. Certain foods can be detrimental to orthodontic appliances such as braces or aligners, potentially causing damage or prolonging the duration of treatment. By avoiding specific food categories, you can protect your braces or aligners and promote a healthy, hassle-free orthodontic journey.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gum
- Gummy candies
- Chewy candy bars
- Licorice
- Fruit roll-ups
- Sticky desserts (e.g., toffee, caramel apples)
Hard and Crunchy Foods
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes
- Hard pretzels
- Corn chips
- Uncooked carrots
- Whole apples
Sticky and Sugary Foods
- Sugary cereals
- Candies with caramel, toffee, or nougat
- Syrups and honey
- Soft drinks
- Ice cream with hard pieces or nuts
- Sweetened yogurt
- Jams and jellies
Tough and Difficult-to-Bite Foods
- Tough cuts of meat
- Hard pizza crusts
- Bagels
- Crusty bread
- Raw vegetables (e.g., raw broccoli, celery)
- Thick and chewy sandwiches
Acidic Foods and Drinks
- Citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, oranges)
- Lemonade
- Soda
- Vinegar-based dressings
- Tomato-based products (e.g., ketchup, salsa)
- Energy drinks
- Carbonated beverages