Braces are designed to straighten teeth, but certain foods may cause damage to the brackets and wires. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods may lead to discomfort or breakage, making the treatment takes longer. Being mindful of food choices helps keep braces in good condition and ensures a smoother experience.
Below are different types of foods that should be avoided while wearing braces.
Hard foods:
Biting into hard foods may loosen brackets or bend wires. Items like nuts, hard candies, and ice cubes put extra pressure on dental braces Abu Dhabi, increasing the chance of damage. If hard foods such as apples or carrots are part of a meal, cutting them into small pieces makes them easier to chew.
Sticky sweets:
Chewy sweets such as caramel, toffee, and gummy candies may get stuck in braces, making them difficult to clean. These foods often leave behind residue that increases the chance of cavities. Avoiding sticky treats helps maintain oral hygiene and prevents complications during treatment.
Crunchy snacks:
Chips, popcorn, and crackers may seem harmless, but they break into small, sharp pieces that may get trapped between braces. Popcorn kernels, in particular, are difficult to remove and may cause discomfort. Opting for softer snacks such as cheese or yoghurt is a better choice.
Chewy bread:
Bread with a tough or chewy texture, such as bagels and pizza crusts, requires extra effort to bite and chew. This may put pressure on braces and cause brackets to loosen. Instead, softer bread varieties like sandwich bread or tortillas are easier to manage.
Sugary drinks:
Soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices contain sugar that sticks to teeth and braces. This increases the chance of plaque buildup, leading to cavities and staining. Water or milk is a better option, as they do not leave behind harmful residue.
Tough meat:
Chewing tough meat such as steak or dried jerky requires strong biting force, which may damage braces. Shredded or tender meat options such as chicken, fish, or ground beef are gentler on the teeth and make eating more comfortable.
Being mindful of food choices helps maintain braces and reduces the chance of damage. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods should be avoided to keep brackets and wires in good condition. Choosing softer alternatives makes eating easier and protects oral health. Making these small adjustments supports a smoother and more effective treatment process.