Braces are an exciting step toward achieving a confident, beautiful smile. However, they also come with some challenges, particularly when it comes to your diet. Certain foods can damage wires, dislodge brackets, or cause discomfort, setting back your orthodontic progress.
But don’t worry—this guide will help you avoid the wrong food with braces and find delicious, braces-friendly alternatives, so you can stay on track while enjoying your meals!
Let’s take a look.
Why Your Diet Matters with Braces
When wearing braces, maintaining a balanced diet isn’t just good for your overall health; it’s crucial for avoiding unnecessary repairs and delays during your treatment.
Improper foods with braces can damage the brackets, wires, or bands, leading to additional orthodontist visits and extended treatment time. A braces-friendly diet not only protects your investment but also minimizes discomfort, helping you enjoy each step toward your perfect smile.
6 Foods to Avoid with Braces and Why
To keep your braces safe and effective, avoid these six common problem foods.
1. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Examples: Caramel, chewing gum, toffee.
These foods can easily get stuck in your braces and be challenging to remove, increasing the risk of damage. Additionally, they require excessive chewing, leading to discomfort and potential wire bending.
2. Hard and Crunchy Foods
Examples: Nuts, popcorn, hard candy.
These foods can break or bend wires, loosen brackets, or even cause them to come off altogether. They also require a lot of chewing that can irritate your mouth and slow down your orthodontic treatment.
3. Sugary Foods
Examples: Soda, candy, cookies.
While these tasty treats may be tempting, they are also high in sugar content, which can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities and staining around the braces.
4. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Examples: Citrus fruits, soda, sports drinks.
Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, making it easier for bacteria to thrive and cause cavities. They can also irritate any cuts or sores in your mouth, causing discomfort.
5. Crusty Bread and Tough Meats
Examples: Bagels, crusty bread, steak.
These foods are typically hard to bite and require a lot of force, which can damage wires or brackets and cause discomfort.
6. Corn on the Cob and Whole Apples
While these two healthy snacks may seem harmless at first glance, they can be risky for braces wearers. Corn on the cob can easily get caught between wires and brackets, while biting into a whole apple can dislodge brackets or wires.
5 Foods You Can Eat With Braces
You don’t have to sacrifice taste or variety in your diet just because you wear braces. Here are some delicious alternatives to satisfy your cravings while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track:
1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Examples: Bananas, melons, cooked vegetables.
These foods are gentle on braces and require minimal chewing, making them perfect for avoiding discomfort and damage.
2. Dairy Products
Examples: Soft cheese, yogurt, milkshakes.
Not only are dairy products high in calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones, but they are also soft and easy to eat with braces.
3. Soft Grains
Examples: Oatmeal, pancakes, tortillas.
These foods are not only braces-friendly but also provide a good source of energy and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
4. Lean Proteins
Examples: Soft-cooked chicken, fish, eggs.
Protein is vital for building strong muscles and bones, making it an important part of your diet even while wearing braces. Just make sure to cut tougher meats into small pieces before eating.
5. Smoothies and Milkshakes
Whether you’re craving something sweet or in need of a quick meal, smoothies and milkshakes are an excellent choice for braces wearers. Just be sure to skip the straw and drink them with a spoon instead to avoid any potential damage.
Tips for Eating with Braces
Making simple adjustments to your eating habits can help protect your braces from damage. Keep these tips in mind as you enjoy your meals:
- Cut Food Into Small Pieces: Avoid biting directly into foods by cutting them into manageable, bite-sized portions.
- Chew Slowly: Taking your time reduces the risk of exerting too much pressure on your braces.
- Use Orthodontic Wax if Needed: If sharp wires or brackets irritate your mouth after eating, applying orthodontic wax can add an extra layer of comfort.
- Brush, Floss & Rinse Regularly: Clean your braces after every meal to remove food particles and reduce plaque build-up.
Encouragement for a Braces-Friendly Diet
Maintaining a braces-friendly diet might take some getting used to, but think of it as a smart investment in the future of your smile. Avoiding harmful foods with your braces and choosing braces-safe alternatives ensures you’ll complete your treatment on time and with minimal discomfort.
At Scaffidi Orthodontics, we’re here to help you throughout your braces journey. If you have questions or are ready to book an appointment, schedule your free orthodontic consultation online today.
A beautiful, healthy smile is worth the wait. You’ve got this!