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Foods to Avoid

Successful orthodontic treatment can do wonders for your smile and self-esteem. Part of completing a successful treatment is taking care of your oral appliances and your teeth. If you wear braces, you need to avoid certain foods. These foods can harm braces and your teeth. Avoiding these foods is a small price to pay for getting a gorgeous smile.

CRUNCHY FOODS

Braces are made of bands, wires, and brackets. Crunchy foods can loosen, bend, and break these appliances, so it’s best to avoid them. Crunchy foods include popcorn, chips, pretzels, and nuts. Raw vegetables such as carrots should also be avoided. You shouldn’t eat crunchy tacos, either. The taco shell is similar to a chip and can harm your braces.

CHEWY FOODS

Chewy foods can also wreak havoc on braces. Chewy foods include beef jerky and pizza crust. Also, be careful when eating meat. Depending on how it is prepared, meat can be chewy.

STICKY FOODS

Sticky foods can damage the appliances and get stuck, leading to an orthodontic emergency. Avoid foods like taffy, licorice, caramel, and gummy bears when wearing braces. You also shouldn’t chew gum with braces.

SUGARY FOODS

Sugary foods can damage your teeth when wearing braces. These foods can cause a buildup of plaque behind the braces, leading to decay. Check the sugar content before eating something. If it has lots of added sugar, replace it with a healthy snack.

FOOD THAT YOU CHEW WITH THE FRONT TEETH

You usually use your molars to chew. However, some foods are eaten with the front teeth. This puts a lot of pressure on your braces on the front of the teeth. Avoid foods like corn on the cob and whole pickles when wearing braces.

HARD FOODS

Hard foods put stress on the braces. That can cause the wires to bend or break. Avoid chewing on ice or eating hard foods such as bagels. Some hard foods can be softened and then consumed. However, if the food cannot be softened, put it on your list of foods to wait to eat until your braces come off.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SMILE

Your braces will be off in no time, and then you can resume your regular diet. Until then, avoid these foods. Then you won’t have to deal with orthodontic emergencies during your treatment, and when it is over, you’ll have a gorgeous smile.

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