Foods to Avoid

Eating hard and sticky food can damage your orthodontic appliances from Orthodontic Specialists, P.A. and result in additional costs and treatment time. Dr. Joseph Basile has provided a list of foods that patients should avoid while they have braces in Eagan, Lakeville and Prior Lake, Minnesota. Please refer to the list below, or talk with our orthodontist if you have any questions on foods that are not allowed during your treatment. If you are in doubt about any foods not listed, please DO NOT EAT THEM!

Too much soda will result in decalcification (permanent white scars) on the teeth. Dr. Joseph Basile and our team recommend that you limit the amount of soft drinks you drink during your treatment, so as to protect the health and appearance of your teeth.

DO NOT EAT STICKY FOODS SUCH AS:

• Gum (sugar-free or regular)
• Caramels
• Taffy
• Licorice
• Caramel apples
• Jelly beans
• Tootsie Rolls
• Fruit Roll Ups
• Chewy candy bars like Snickers or candy bars with nuts

Chewing gum and other sticky foods can result in loose appliances and bent wires. These sticky foods can also become trapped in between your teeth, causing serious gum infections.

DO NOT EAT HARD FOODS SUCH AS:

• Jaw Breakers
• Hard candy
• Jolly Ranchers
• Nuts
• Breadsticks
• Hard edge crust on pizza
• Hard crust on French or garlic bread
• Ice cubes
• Hard crackers or cookies
• Corn Nuts
• Granola cereal or bars
• Popcorn
• Corn on the cob

FOODS YOU MAY STILL ENJOY:

• Grapes
• Cheese
• Yogurt (without nuts)
• Corn and Cheese Puffs
• Peanut butter cups
• Potato chips
• Light crackers such as Ritz or Saltines
• Bananas
• Melons
• Nestle Crunch Bars

Most meats, fruits, and vegetables are allowed. Do be careful with apples, raw carrots, and celery; they must be cut into small bite-size pieces or thin strips before eating.

Remember, it is especially important to brush after eating any sweets, since these promote tooth decay.