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Foods to Avoid

At the start of your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Ross Taddeo will inform you of certain foods that should be avoided in order to maintain the quality of your braces. Without proper diet habits and choices, the likelihood of getting cavities will increase. The type of foods and drinks that affect the overall health of your teeth are hard foods, sticky foods, and foods that are high in sugar. It is important to regularly brush and floss your teeth if these type of foods are to be consumed.

carmelSticky Foods

Sticky foods increase the risk of tooth decay and orthodontic appliance damage such as bent metal wires. Sticky foods tend to stay on your braces and remains on your teeth for a long time. Examples of sticky foods are :

  • Gum (sugar-free or regular)
  • Licorice
  • Toffee, caramels, or Tootsie Rolls
  • Starburst
  • Sugar Daddies

Hard Foods

iceCubeHard foods can bend wires, break your braces, or loosen the cement on the metal bracket. In some cases, the damage caused by these foods can cause harm to your mouth, teeth, and gums. Examples of hard food are:

  • Ice cubes
  • Nuts
  • Corn on the cob (unless removed from the cob)
  • Pizza crusts, bagels, French bread rolls
  • Apples, celery, and carrots (unless they are cut into small pieces)
  • Hard candy like Jolly Ranchers
  • Chips and hard taco shells

Foods High In Sugar

CookiesFood that are high in sugar can increase the risk of getting cavities and creating permanent white marks on the teeth. If you do eat sugary foods, it is recommended that you brush your teeth immediately afterwards. Examples of foods high in sugar are:

  • Ice cream
  • Cake, cookies, pie
  • Soft drinks
  • Candy

Contact Your East Orlando Orthodontist

In the event of a broken wire or bracket, please contact us immediately to arrange an appointment for repair. Dr. Ross Taddeo and his staff strive to provide quality orthodontic care for patients of all ages in the East Orlando, FL area. If you have any questions about our early orthodontic treatment or Invisalign, please feel free to fill out of online appointment form or call us at (407) 482-3700. We look forward to seeing you soon!