Even though braces have improved over the years and they have become sturdier with modern technology, it is still essential that you care for them. There are some foods that can actually damage braces components like the wires, rubber bands, or even the bracket itself according to dentist in the central district and it is important that you do everything you can to make sure your treatment goes smoothly, so as to get the best result once your braces have been fitted. Soft foods are most recommended, and foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy should be avoided.

One of the vital parts of looking after fixed braces and avoiding any issues is to eat the right foods and avoid things that can cause problems.

1. Popcorn

Popcorn is normal sticky, and they can get stuck under braces, where it will be hard to remove. When they get wedged between teeth and below the gums, this can cause swollen gum and inflammation. For those who can’t do without popcorn, you can opt for “hulless” popcorn as they are smaller and softer.

2. Acidic beverages

Acidic beverages like soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and lemonade are not suitable for your braces. They can lead to white spots on your teeth after the braces are taken off. This spot shows where the enamel has been stripped of its essential minerals resulting in resulting in white spots that can become permanent.

3. Hard foods and chewy foods

Hard foods like pizza crust, hard nuts, thick pretzels and chewy foods like bagels and hard rolls may bend wires and pop off brackets. Even healthy fruits and vegetables like apple and mangoes, carrots and many raw veggies that require biting with the front teeth can damage braces. This doesn’t mean you should avoid fruits and vegetables altogether; you have to change the way you eat them. You can cut or slice them into smaller pieces then chew or cook to soften them. After eating fruit and vegetables, don’t forget to use an interdental brush or floss.

4. Tough Meats

Tough meat like beef jerky can loosen the wires and brackets of your braces. Meat that is not cooked correctly can also cause this, so be careful when consuming these meats.

5. Ice

It’s okay to take a chill drink or suck on ice chips, but do not make the mistake of biting or chewing ice, doing this can damage your braces as ice is probably the most common culprit.