Foods to Avoid

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimise sugary foods- they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on non-food items should be avoided. We book appointments 5-8 weeks in advance. Patients seen on an emergency appointment will only be assisted out of pain, braces will not be repaired. Therefore one breakage may set your treatment back at least 2 months! These additional months can soon add up if you continue to ignore the advice given to you by your orthodontist.

Examples of Sticky/Chewy Foods to Avoid:

  • Chewing/Bubble Gum
  • Licorice
  • Haribos
  • Starburst
  • Toffee   
  • Mars bars   
  • Snickers  
  • Caramels  
  • Twix    
  • Nougat   
  • Fruitella 
  • Fudge      


Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:

  • French Bread
  • Crusty Rolls


Minimize Sugary Foods like:

  • Cake
  • Ice Cream
  • Biscuits
  • Orange juice
  • Coke or any fizzy drinks


Only Once a Day:
Drinks containing sugar such as orange juice or a fizzy drinks should only be consumed with a meal.
Sugar free squash, milk and water are all acceptable. 'No added sugar' is not the same as sugar free.

It is important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call Pinnacle immediately to see if an appointment needs to be arranged for repair.