Braces are an effective way to straighten teeth and improve your smile, but they do require a few adjustments to your eating habits. Certain foods and drinks can damage brackets and wires or make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.

Here are five foods and drinks you should avoid while wearing braces.

Sticky Candy

Chewy candies such as caramel, taffy, and gummy treats can stick to brackets and wires. They may also pull orthodontic appliances out of place, leading to unnecessary repairs and treatment delays.

Hard Foods

Hard foods can put excessive pressure on braces and increase the risk of broken brackets or bent wires. Common examples include:

● Ice

● Hard candies

● Nuts

● Popcorn kernels

If you enjoy crunchy foods, consider softer alternatives that are less likely to damage your braces.

Chewy Foods

Foods that require a lot of force to chew can place stress on orthodontic appliances. Examples include:

● Bagels

● Tough breads

● Beef jerky

● Certain pizza crusts

Choosing softer foods can help protect your braces throughout treatment.

Sugary Drinks

Sodas, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay around brackets. Because braces create additional areas where plaque can collect, maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important.

Acidic Drinks

Acidic beverages can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of enamel erosion over time. Examples include:

● Soft drinks

● Energy drinks

● Certain fruit juices

When possible, choose water as your primary beverage to support oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have questions about caring for your braces or would like guidance on maintaining a healthy smile during treatment, our team is here to help.

Contact Dr. Claire Stroede to schedule an appointment at one of our Stroede Orthodontics locations:

• Olathe, KS 66062 office at 913-491-3400
• Overland Park, KS 66223 office at 913-491-3400
• Spring Hill, KS 66083 office at 913-491-3400