Foods that can increase your chances for cavities or damage your braces should be avoided. This includes foods such as sweets (especially ones that are sticky and chewy), chips, and soda. Sugary and starchy foods can also be harmful to teeth with braces. Hard, crunchy snacks such as popcorn, nuts, and hard candy should also be avoided as they can damage braces. Hard, healthy foods such as carrots or apples should be cut into smaller pieces, so they are less of a threat to braces.