North Coast Orthodontics -- Eating with Braces

Eating with Braces For the first three to five days, your teeth may be sore, so stick to soft foods. Before long, you will be able to return to eating many of your favorite foods!

There are some foods, however, that you will need to avoid to protect your braces. Foods that are hard, sticky, or sugary are harmful to your braces and to your teeth.

If you are careful about the type of food you choose and the way you eat your food, your teeth, gums, and bones will stay healthy throughout your treatment, and your orthodontic appliances will stay in good working condition.

Foods to Avoid:

Suckers, Jolly Ranchers and other hard candy
Caramels, Skittles, Starbursts, jelly beans, and other sticky candy
Raw carrots, apples, and celery that are not cut into small pieces
Hard rolls, bagels and pizza crusts
Ribs or other meat on the bone
Beef jerky and Slim Jims and other chewy or tough meat
Corn on the cob
Nuts and popcorn
Pretzels, Doritos, Cheetos and other hard chips
Soda (regular or diet)

Also, please do not chew on ice, fingernails, pens or pencils.

Remember, loose, bent or broken appliances delay your treatment and your time in braces will be longer.