It's best to avoid any hard food that could break the wire, detach the bracket from the tooth or damage other components. Sticky food can also stay under the wire or around the brackets and can be difficult to clean off. This means that it can remain on the tooth for a longer period of time and cause decay. In general, foods that should be avoided include nuts, apple, hard uncooked vegetables (such as carrots), all sorts of candies/lollies, hard chocolate, mentos, chewing gum, and hard bread. Patients are encouraged to use Piksters and a water flosser to clean the teeth as well as possible.