Why Do People Get Braces?

Article Chapters
Why Do People Get Braces?	What Kind of Braces Do I Need?
How Long Do I Need to Wear Braces?	Is Treatment Uncomfortable?
Do I Have to Avoid Certain Foods?	What About Home Care?
Who Provides My Treatment?

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Chapter: Do I Have to Avoid Certain Foods?

Yes. Cut down on sweets, chips and soda. Sugary and starchy foods generate acids and plaque that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease.

Cut healthy, hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel can cause wire damage and loosen brackets. Avoid hard and crunchy snacks that can break braces, including popcorn, nuts and hard candy. More don'ts: ice cube chewing, thumb sucking, excessive mouth breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue against your teeth.

Reviewed: January 2012

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Why Do People Get Braces?