Foods to Avoid

We know food restrictions aren’t fun, but thankfully they are only temporary!

You may eat anytime after getting your braces on. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods that may be harmful to the braces. Even though our braces and wires are metal, they are fragile and are usually damaged by eating the wrong foods. Mainly foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy may damage your braces.

What foods should I avoid?

  • Bubblegum

  • Chewy foods – bagels, hard rolls, licorice

  • Crunchy foods – popcorn, ice, chips

  • Sticky foods – caramels, gummy bears

  • Hard foods – hard candy, nuts, taco shells

Please do not eat hard foods including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots (cut them into pieces first), hard French bread crust and rolls, spare ribs, corn on the cob (cut the corn off the cob before eating) and popcorn. Do not eat sticky foods like taffy, caramels, bubblegum or sticky candy. These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also avoid nail-biting and pen- or pencil-chewing habits, since these can damage your braces.

At Orthodontic Specialists of Southern Minnesota, you get a basket full of treats when you get your braces off that you weren’t able to eat while you had braces!

  • Yes, there is still candy that you can eat without damaging your braces! We recommend chocolate (without caramel or nuts), peanut butter cups, KitKats, and soft cookies.

  • The most common issue with eating the wrong foods while in braces is loosening or breaking of a bracket. If this happens, do not panic. Contact our office and we will get it fixed for you.

  • Yes! Regular dental visits are important and can be done while in braces.