What Can You Not Eat With Braces?

With braces, you should avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods to prevent damage to brackets and wires, as well as to reduce discomfort and oral hygiene issues. Specifically, do not eat:

• Hard candies, nuts, ice, popcorn, and hard pizza crust because their toughness can break or dislodge braces components.
• Sticky and chewy foods like chewing gum, caramel, taffy, gummy candies, licorice, and dried fruits since they stick to braces and can pull on wires or brackets.
• Crunchy snacks such as chips, pretzels, and taco shells as they risk bending or breaking braces.
• Whole apples and corn on the cob because biting into them directly can damage braces.
• Also avoid tough meats and hard rolls or bagels that require excessive biting force, which can dislodge braces parts.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks that increase the risk of tooth decay while wearing braces.

Soft, cooked, or cut foods are safer options during orthodontic treatment.