My daughter just got braces a month ago, and it has been an adjustment to say the least. The hardest part for her is remembering what she can and can’t eat now that she has braces. Her orthodontist gave her a great list. I am publishing it here for two reasons – one, so I can find the list again quickly, and two, so you can find it quickly if you have a child with braces.

The following foods can break or loosen the orthodontic appliances in your mouth, so don’t even think about eating them – your orthodontist will not be happy!

1. Ice
2. Nuts
3. Beef jerky
4. Slim jims
5. Caramels, Rolos candy
6. Frozen candy bars
7. Tootsie Rolls
8. Lollipops
9. Candy Canes
10. Gummy Bears
11. Fruit Roll ups (the dentist hates these too – she calls them sugar glue)
12. Nerds
13. Fun Fruits
14. Hard Taco shells
15. Granola bars
16. Bubble Gum (sugar free stick gum is okay)
17. Snickers
18. Twizzlers
19. Butterfingers
20. Taffy
21. Starburst
22. Skittles
23. Peanut Brittle
24. Now & Laters
25. Jolly Ranchers
26. Sugar Daddies
27. Runts
28. Air Heads
29. Doritos
30. Cheetos

Or basically anything hard, sticky or chewy. Also don’t suck on lemons or limes.

Some foods can be eaten if you use caution like:

• Potato chips – break into small pieces and chew with back teeth
• Popcorn – one or two pieces at a time
• Raw fruits and veggies – cut into small pieces – don’t bite with front teeth
• Corn on the cob – cut off cob
• Chicken, steak, pork chops, ribs – cut meat off bone and then eat
• Soda – brush teeth immediately after finishing or at a minimum rinse with water

Find a trusted dentist in Chula Vista to provide great dental assurance.