If you have braces, you know that they can impact much of your daily activity. In fact, braces can even impact your vacation plans. When you have braces, you need to take extra care to avoid certain foods that can damage your hardware or cause other problems.

Here are several foods commonly consumed on vacations that you may want to avoid while you are having a blast on vacation.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a particular problem for people with braces. The hard, crunchy kernels can cause brackets to come loose or wires to break. Additionally, the kernels can get stuck in between your teeth and become difficult to remove. They can also get stuck in your brackets and wires.

To avoid these problems, it is best to steer clear of popcorn. If you do eat popcorn and experience a problem with your braces, be sure to see your orthodontist or dentist as quickly as possible.

Hard Candies

Hard candies are another food that can be problematic for people with braces, and they can be problematic during vacation. For example, some people suck on hard candies during a plane ride if they have anxiety.

Unfortunately, this comes with a risk. When you bite into a hard candy, there is a risk of breaking a wire or popping a bracket off your tooth. If the candy is particularly sticky, it can also become stuck in your braces.

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a popular fall treat, but they can cause problems for people with braces. The sticky caramel can become stuck in your brackets and wires, and the hard apple can put too much pressure on your hardware.

Cotton Candy

Cotton candy isn't necessarily going to break your braces, but it is full of sugar. When you have braces, you need to be extra careful about the amount of sugar you consume. This is because sugar can contribute to tooth decay.

Your teeth are especially vulnerable to decay during this time because so many places are difficult to brush. It's best to avoid this amount of sugar when your teeth are in a vulnerable position, so prone to cavities.

Talk to Your Dentist Before You Go on Vacation

Before you go on vacation, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist or orthodontist. They can give you specific tips on how to take care of your braces and what foods to avoid. They may also have other suggestions for making your vacation more enjoyable when you have braces and other dental concerns.