Foods to Avoid When Your Child Has Braces

When your child gets braces, it's a big step towards achieving a healthier, more confident smile. However, the journey involves more than just regular orthodontic appointments. It also requires making some changes to their diet to protect the braces and ensure they work effectively. In this blog, we'll discuss some foods your child should avoid while they have braces.

Hard Foods

Hard foods can cause significant damage to braces. They can break wires and loosen brackets, leading to discomfort and potentially prolonging the treatment duration. It's essential to be aware of what types of foods fall into this category.

• Raw fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots
• Nuts and hard candies
• Crusty bread and pizza crust

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods are another category to be cautious about. These foods can get stuck in the braces, making them difficult to clean, which can lead to cavities. They can also pull at the braces, causing them to loosen or break.

• Caramel and toffee
• Gum and gummy candies
• Dried fruits like raisins and prunes

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods can be problematic as they can get tangled with the wires and brackets, leading to potential damage. It's best to avoid these types of foods as much as possible.

• Bagels and hard rolls
• Chewy candies like licorice and jelly beans
• Tough meats or breads

Sugary Foods and Drinks

While sugary foods and drinks should generally be limited for overall oral health, it's especially important when your child has braces. Excess sugar can lead to plaque buildup around the brackets, leading to cavities and staining.

• Soda and sugary drinks
• Candy and chocolate
• Cakes, cookies, and pies

General Eating Habits

Aside from specific foods, certain eating habits should also be modified. Encourage your child to take small bites and chew slowly to avoid damaging their braces. It's also important to remind them to clean their teeth thoroughly after each meal to remove any food particles stuck in the braces.

Get Expert Orthodontic Care in Alexandria, VA

At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, we're committed to guiding you and your child through the orthodontic journey. We understand that each child is unique, and we're here to provide personalized care to ensure the best results. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's braces or if you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (703) 493-0622 to request an appointment. We're proudly serving families in Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding areas.