Foods to Avoid

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Caring for Your Braces

Congratulations! You just got your new braces! Now what? Below is some helpful information from our doctors to help ensure your time spent wearing braces is a trouble-free time. The team of staff at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics wants the time you spend in treatment to be an enjoyable experience. After all, once you’re done wearing braces, you can enjoy showing off your straight, healthy and attractive smile for the rest of your life!

The first thing to remember is that your team at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics is here for support and advice throughout the duration of your treatment. Though there are limitations to what you can eat during the process, there are also some fun alternatives that will help you substitute some of your favorite foods until deband day. Also, if any brackets get damaged or bands break, you can always call us and we will guide you through what steps to take.

What Not to Eat with Braces

When you’re wearing braces, it’s important to follow the guidelines we provide about foods which you should not eat when wearing braces. There are many types of foods that can damage your brackets and wires, such as hard, crunchy and sticky foods. And eating too many foods high in sugar can raise your risk for developing tooth decay. Below is an overview of the types of foods you should steer clear of when you have braces bonded to your teeth.

Hard Foods to Avoid with Braces

  • Nuts
  • Hard taco shells
  • Hard-crusted bread and rolls
  • Corn on the cob
  • Apples, pears, and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
  • Bagels
  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Popcorn
  • Pizza crust
  • Ice
  • Hard candies

  • Sticky Foods to Avoid with Braces

  • Chewing gum (both regular & sugarless)
  • Licorice
  • Caramel
  • Toffee
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Licorice
  • Starburst
  • Candy bars containing caramel or nuts

  • Minimize Consumption Sugary Foods with Braces

  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Ice Cream
  • Pie
  • Candy

  • Foods to Enjoy Just Once A Day with Braces

  • Soda
  • Fruit Juices
  • Sweetened tea
  • Gatorade
  • Kool-Aid 
  • All beverages containing sugar

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    Contact Us With Any Questions

    By avoiding the braces-busting foods above, you can avoid having to make emergency orthodontic appointments, and by limiting how many sugary treats and beverages you consume, you’ll be helping to keep your teeth healthy so your time spent in braces won’t be prolonged due to dental treatment.

    If you have any questions or do need help with a damaged bracket or wire, please contact Eastern Virginia Orthodontics at one of our three offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk. You can also fill out our easy online appointment request form. Just remember that these food sacrifices you’re making now will all be worth it in the end on the big day your braces come off and your brand new, incredible smile is revealed!