If you’re starting orthodontic treatment in Joplin, MO, or Pittsburg, KS with LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, you’re on the path to a healthier, straighter smile. But with great results comes a great responsibility, especially when it comes to food.
Eating the wrong foods can lead to broken brackets, discomfort, or even delays in your treatment. To help you stay on track, let’s look at the five foods to avoid with braces and why they’re on your “no-go” list.
1. Sticky Foods
Chewy, gooey, and delicious? Sure. Braces-friendly? Not even a little bit.
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum are infamous for damaging brackets and wires. They can cling to your appliances, making cleaning much harder and increasing your risk for plaque buildup and cavities.
Stay away from:
- Caramel candies
- Taffy
- Gummy bears
- Chewing gum (even the sugar-free kind)
- Fruit snacks
If you live in Pittsburg, KS, or Joplin, KS, try switching to softer treats like sugar-free pudding, smoothies, or yogurt when you’re craving something sweet.
2. Foods You Have to Fight to Bite Into
Foods that require tearing or biting with your front teeth can be understandably risky with braces. Simple mistakes like biting directly into apples or corn on the cob can dislodge brackets and cause discomfort.
Avoid biting into:
- Whole apples (slice them instead)
- Corn on the cob (cut off the kernels)
- Crusty bread and baguettes
- Thick deli sandwiches or burgers (cut into smaller bites)
Take the extra minute to prep your food for yourself or your child, the braces will thank you.
3. Hard and Crunchy Snacks
Hard foods are among the top causes of broken brackets and bent wires in our offices. Biting down on these can stress your appliances and cause real damage that requires emergency orthodontic visits. Avoiding hard foods is a big component of a smooth treatment experience at LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics.
Hard foods to skip:
- Popcorn (especially unpopped kernels)
- Ice (don’t chew it!)
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Crunchy granola bars
Our patients can enjoy safer options with the same nutritional value, like soft granola, oatmeal, overnight oats, or sliced fruits.
4. Sugary Snacks and Sodas
While sugar won’t break your braces like most of these other foods, it can wreak total havoc on your teeth. Braces make it even easier for food and sugar particles to get stuck around brackets, and sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities and white spots. You can encounter a similar issue with Invisalign, which can trap food.
Sugary treats to avoid or limit:
- Soda
- Sweet tea
- Candy
- Juice with added sugar
- Cake and cookies (especially frosted)
If you’re enjoying local Joplin treats, remember to brush right after or rinse your mouth with water to minimize sugar exposure.
5. Tough Meats and Chewy Bread
Some meats and breads are just too much for your braces to handle. Tough, fibrous, chewy textures can strain your appliances and make eating unpleasant.
Foods that can cause issues:
- Beef jerky
- Steak (unless it’s very tender)
- Bagels
- Pizza crust
- Hard rolls
If you’re dining out in Pittsburg or grabbing a bite in Joplin, choose soft-cooked meats, pasta dishes, or tender sandwiches instead.
Braces-Safe Foods to Enjoy
The good news is that there are plenty of foods that are still totally safe to eat, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt and smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked pasta
- Oatmeal
- Steamed vegetables
- Bananas and other soft fruits
- Applesauce
- Soup (lukewarm, not too hot)
- Soft cheeses
These gentle foods are less likely to get stuck in brackets or bend wires. When in doubt, cut food into small, manageable bites to protect your braces and keep treatment on track.
Why Food Choices Matter at LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics
Our LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics team takes a lot of pride in making treatment as easy and efficient as possible for you and your family. Avoiding these common food culprits helps you:
- Prevent broken brackets and emergency visits
- Avoid treatment delays
- Keep your braces and smile clean
- Maintain overall oral health
Our board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Wilson and Dr. LaFerla, bring decades of experience and hometown care to every patient. With advanced orthodontic technology, flexible scheduling, and a patient-first approach, we make it easy to get started and stay on track.
Your Smile Is Worth It
Avoiding these five foods with braces may feel like a challenge, but it’s a small sacrifice for long-term rewards. Your orthodontic adventure with LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics in Joplin or Pittsburg is all about balance, taking great care of your teeth so they can shine for a lifetime.
Ready to learn more or schedule your next appointment? Visit our website and take the next steps toward your healthiest smile.