Certain hard or sticky foods can cause damage to your braces. Hard foods can break wires and knock brackets loose while sticky foods can get caught between braces. In addition you should minimize the amount of sugary foods and drinks that cause tooth decay. Bad oral habits like nail biting and pencil or pen chewing can also be hazardous to your braces. We have provided a list of problem foods below:

• Hard Candy
• Popcorn
• Jerky
• Ice
• Nuts
• Corn on the Cob
• Gum
• Sticky Candy (i.e. Starburst, gummy bears, tootsie rolls, caramels, taffy)
• Soda
• Kool-Aid

Also, whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be cooked or cut into small pieces.