What can I eat when I have braces?
When you are wearing braces and other appliances, it is important to avoid certain foods that can damage the appliances, brackets, and wires, which may cause delays in treatment.
The Key rule is: Nothing hard, sticky or chewy!
RED LIGHT
(Never Eat!)Nuts
Popcorn
Chewing Gum
Hard Pretzels
Pizza Crust
Croutons
Gummy Bears
Caramels
Jelly Beans
Licorice
Jujubes
Chocolate Chips
Ice cubes
Skittles
Starburst
Smarties
M&Ms
Tootsie Rolls
Pens and Pencils
YELLOW LIGHT
(Use caution, must be cut or broken up and chewed carefully with back teeth.)Nacho Chips
Bagels
Ribs
Chicken Wings
Raw Vegetables
Hard Fruit (i.e. apples)
Fruit with Pits (i.e. peaches)
Corn on the Cob
Crusty Bread
Crunchy Granola Bars
Foods high in sugar (e.g. pop, candy): don't eat often and brush soon after.
GREEN LIGHT
(Go for it!)Ice Cream (no nuts)
Potato Chips
Steamed Vegetables
Pasta Potatoes
French Fries
Soft Pretzels
Yogurt
Pudding
Jello
Soup
Sandwiches, Subs
Cereal in Milk
Cheese
Eggs
Milkshakes
Caramilk Bars
Peanut Butter Cups