It’s important to avoid sticky foods such as toffee, licorice, gum, and gummy candy. In addition, it would be best to avoid hard, crunchy snacks like nuts and hard pretzels. Popcorn kernels can get stuck in the braces and cause a sore. Lastly, avoid foods with colorants such as spaghetti sauce if you have braces that need the rubber ties because they will discolor.