By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Braces are sturdy, but certain foods can break brackets or bend wires, delaying your treatment. A few simple swaps keep things on track.
Quick answer
With braces, avoid hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice), sticky foods (chewing gum, toffee, chikki), and very chewy or crunchy items that can break brackets or bend wires. Cut firm foods like apples into pieces. Stick to softer foods, especially after adjustments. Avoiding breakages keeps treatment on schedule.
Foods to avoid
- Hard: nuts, hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels.
- Sticky: chewing gum, toffee, chikki, caramel.
- Crunchy whole foods: bite-into apples, raw carrots.
Safe alternatives
- Soft fruits, yoghurt, dal, khichdi, pasta, eggs.
- Cut firm fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
- Softer foods for a day or two after adjustments.
See our braces guide. Book at The Tooth Studio.
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