If you have braces, it’s important to watch what you eat. Items like hard candies and gristly meats may damage the wires, brackets, and even your teeth. Here are a handful of foods you should stay away from or use caution when eating. 

Got Braces? 4 Foods to Avoid

1. Ice & Popsicles® 

Ice and frozen food products are some of the worst offenders when it comes to damaging the device. Though it is fine to put ice cubes in your drink or suck on a Popsicle, never bite into these items. Doing so may hurt your teeth, harm your braces, and end in a trip to the orthodontist. 

2. Nuts & Raw Veggies

Most nuts and raw vegetables are too hard for people with braces to eat and tend to break or dislodge the brackets. Debris from these types of foods often gets stuck in the cracks, making it difficult to thoroughly brush your teeth, leading to infections. Steer clear of almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and cook all veggies before consuming them.

3. Chewy Meats

Avoid overcooked meats if you have braces. Beef jerky and well-done steak, for example, are tough on wires and brackets, loosening them over time. Go for light, tender meats instead, such as cold cuts, turkey burgers, and grilled fish.

4. Syrups & Caramels

Sticky foods, too, often cause issues for those with braces. Peanut butter, caramel, maple syrup, and chewing gum have a glue-like consistency that may disconnect the wires and get stuck in the crevices. When this happens, you’ll most likely need an emergency orthodontist visit. 

Whether you need help maintaining your braces or want them installed to straighten problem teeth, Dansville Family Dental Care provides quality services in a compassionate and comfortable environment. They also offer bridges, crowns, veneers, dental implants, and sleep apnea devices to patients throughout Livingston County, NY. Call (585) 335-6170 today to book an appointment for a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about the many ways they can assist.