At Cavalancia Orthodontics, your Johnstown Orthodontist, our commitment to you is to provide the highest-quality care, and valuable information about your orthodontic treatment. The path to your dazzling new smile requires that we work together, and watching what you eat is an integral part of the process. The following are tips on foods that you should avoid while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Certain Food Can Damage Braces
While braces are made from durable materials, they're not indestructible. During your journey wearing braces, you'll need to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, gooey, or full of sugars or carbohydrates. These foods carry a risk of damaging the components of your braces, while sugary foods increase the risk of tooth decay, which can hinder your orthodontic treatment.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Chewy, sticky candies can dislodge wires or damage brackets, as well as putting you at higher risk for tooth decay. These types of candy include:
- Licorice
- Taffy
- Tootsie Rolls
- Toffees
- Caramels
Avoid Hard Foods
Hard, crunchy foods may cause damage to brackets or wires as you chew. This includes food such as:
- Pizza crusts
- Hard taco shells
- Hard candies
- Corn on the cob
- Ice
- Chips
- Nuts
- Raw carrots or apples (these are acceptable if cut into small slices)
- French bread or crusted rolls
Sugary Foods to Cut Back On
While these foods may not cause direct damage to your braces, they do create a higher risk of tooth decay around your brackets.
- Candy
- Ice Cream
- Pie
- Cake
- Cookies
- Sweet tea
- Kool-Aid
- Soft Drinks
- Sports drinks
While we have tried to provide a comprehensive list, you should use this as a guide to help you identify foods that can cause harm to your braces. In addition to watching the food you eat, it's also important to avoid chewing on objects like pencils and pens, as these can also damage your braces.
If your braces become damaged, we are here to help. Contact us immediately so that we can repair your braces before it impacts your orthodontic treatment.
Schedule an Appointment with Johnstown Orthodontist Today!
Cavalancia Orthodontics is here to help you achieve a healthy, radiant new smile. We'll guide you through your orthodontic treatment, and our team at either office will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.
If you are looking for a leading orthodontist in Johnstown or Indiana, PA, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our orthodontic experts look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.