At Quad City Orthodontics, our goal is to ensure your braces and your teeth stay healthy and strong. Proper care of your braces involves making wise food choices to avoid damaging them. Here’s what you need to know:
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can be a major issue for braces wearers. They tend to get caught in the braces and can be difficult to clean off, leading to potential tooth decay. Avoid:
- Gum
- Sugar Daddies
- Toffee
- Caramels
- Licorice
- Tootsie Rolls
- Starburst
These candies can not only damage your braces but also increase your risk of cavities.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks are particularly troublesome. Items like cookies, cake, ice cream, and candy are high in sugar, which leads to plaque build-up. Plaque creates acids that can erode your teeth and cause permanent white marks known as decalcification. Minimize:
- Cookies
- Cake
- Ice cream
- Candy
- Sugary drinks (e.g., Gatorade, Propel, soda, sweet tea)
These can contain acids that dissolve tooth structure. Protect your teeth by limiting these foods and drinks.
Hard Foods
Hard foods can damage your braces and should be avoided. Foods like nuts, ice, chips, and hard bread can break your braces. Be cautious with:
- Nuts
- Ice
- Chips
- Hard bread and rolls
- Bagels
- Uncooked carrots
- Corn on the cob
To avoid damage, cut hard fruits like apples into smaller pieces and avoid chewing on non-food items like pens or pencils.
General Tips
Sugar-free gum is an exception. Chewing sugar-free gum can actually help clean your teeth and provide relief.
Regularly check your braces for any loose wires or brackets. If you notice anything broken, contact us promptly so we can schedule a repair.
For any questions about what foods to avoid or if you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (563) 332-5671 (Bettendorf), (309) 786-7782 (Rock Island), or (309) 786-5812 (Geneseo).