Minimize Sugary Foods
Consuming sugar, including carbohydrates and starchy foods, causes the bacteria in your mouth to flourish. In turn, this triggers a production of acid, leading to tooth decay. To avoid this, we recommend avoiding sugar besides the occasional treat. For example, while wearing braces, you want to watch out for sugary drinks at every meal. Instead, stick to sugar-free drinks like water or milk. For the occasional exceptions, try sipping sugary drinks through a straw to limit the liquid's contact with your teeth. Since prolonged exposure to sugar causes the most harm, we recommend avoiding foods like hard candies that remain in your mouth for a while.