Braces or not, it’s always recommended to eat a well-balanced diet for its renowned health benefits. But if you have braces, it’s important to avoid special foods that can increase your risk for cavities or damage your braces.

Cut down on sweets, chips and soda. Sugary and starchy foods generate plaque acid and that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel can also cause wire damage and loosen brackets.

Cut healthy, hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller pieces. This makes them less a threat to your braces.

These types of snacks, including popcorn, nuts and hard candy, can break braces or make their impact less effective.