What Foods to Avoid with Braces
When you first get your braces, it can be easy to think that all your hard work is over. In reality, though, there are a number of maintenance and care issues that you have to be aware of when wearing braces. These small steps can dramatically improve your results.
One of the biggest upkeep problems with braces is eating foods that won’t interfere with your treatment. Let’s go even further and learn a little bit more about the effects of food on this orthodontic treatment.
Why is it Important to Avoid Certain Foods with Braces?
No matter what type of orthodontic treatment you’re receiving, your mouth will likely experience periods of sensitivity. While these don’t last long, it’s wise to avoid particular foods during these episodes.
In addition to minding oral sensitivity, you should also remember that your braces are hardware with various components that can wear down over time. The wrong foods may cause strain or damage that undoes all your work up to this point, so it’s important to avoid them!
What Not to Eat with Braces
But what exactly can you not eat while wearing your braces?
Certain foods like crunchy, sticky, or dense foods can damage every part of your braces — including the brackets — so it’s essential to avoid these types of foods.
Additionally, sugary drinks, candy, and other foods that cause plaque buildup are not recommended. Falling behind on your dental hygiene can make it more difficult for your orthodontist to maintain your treatment time, so while you can eat a piece of candy here or there, constantly consuming these products is not recommended.
Here’s a small list of “forbidden foods” you should avoid:
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Hard rolls, bagels etc.
- Pizza crust
- Almonds, cashews, pecans etc.
- Hard candies
- Sugary foods
- Soft drinks
- Crunchy vegetables
What You Can Eat with Braces
Softer or smoother foods are great candidates for a meal when you’re wearing braces. Pasta, soft bread, and softer fruits and vegetables all make fantastic choices that won’t cause discomfort.
Check out this list of foods you can eat with braces :
- Pit-less fruits such as bananas, strawberries, or grapes
- Tortillas, muffins (without nuts), white bread
- Deli meat, grilled chicken
- Yogurt, pudding, soft-cheese
- Mashed potatoes, soft vegetables
When you’re eating, cube or cut your food into smaller pieces to make the bites more manageable. Other steps like avoiding cold drinks and making sure that you bite with your front teeth help sidestep any unnecessary discomfort.
Understanding Different Foods You Can Eat with Braces Will Improve Your Smile Journey
Although you may have to stay away from some favorite foods while wearing braces, you can bet that taking care of your orthodontic work will pay off in the long run. By watching your food during treatment, you can make forward progress on your smile journey and not have to worry about undoing all the time and energy you’ve put in.
If you’re near Hendersonville or Cookeville, Tennessee, and you’re interested in obtaining braces or looking for additional consultation on your current treatment, check out Tommy Koen Orthodontics to learn more about how you can get started on your smile journey!