What To Eat & What Not To Eat With Braces?

Having braces is a major part of orthodontic treatment, but it can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with the process to understand which foods are safe to maintain your braces. It’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing braces, so knowing what to eat and what not to eat is essential. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of orthodontic treatment along with helpful tips on what types of food are safe with braces and how best to practice good oral hygiene while wearing them.

Foods to Eat with Braces

Braces require extra care and attention when it comes to what you eat. Even though having braces can be an inconvenience, there are still plenty of nutritious foods that are safe while wearing braces. Here are five types of food that should be included in your diet when wearing braces:

Soft Fruits & Vegetables

Soft fruits and vegetables are a great option for those with braces because they don’t cause any damage or wear on the brackets or wires. Examples include applesauce, avocado, bananas, cooked carrots, cooked broccoli, and potatoes.

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream are safe to eat with braces. Dairy products provide important nutrients like calcium, which can help strengthen teeth, as well as other vitamins and minerals that are essential for good oral health.

Soft Grains & Bread

Soft bread such as French bread and muffins made from white flour are ideal for those with braces. Other grains such as cooked oatmeal and cooked pasta also make a great choice because they don’t have any hard edges or crunchy pieces that could get caught in the brackets or wires of your braces.

Protein-Rich Foods

Protein-rich foods like soft fish, eggs, tofu, beans, lentils, and lean meats are all good choices for those with braces. Protein-rich foods provide essential nutrients that help keep teeth and gums healthy, so make sure to incorporate them into your diet.

Soft Sweet Treats

You don’t have to give up sweet treats completely when you have braces. Stick with soft sweets such as pudding, cake, ice cream, or even jello. Avoid hard candies or anything chewy like taffy and caramel because they can get stuck in the brackets of your braces and cause damage.

Conclusion

Having braces is a major part of orthodontic treatment but it doesn’t mean you have to give up all the foods you love. There are still plenty of nutritious and delicious foods that you can enjoy while wearing braces. Just make sure to follow the advice above and practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment at the local dentistry.

FAQs

Q1: What kind of foods should I avoid when I have braces?

A1: You should avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like popcorn, nuts, chips, pretzels, hard candy, and ice cubes as these can damage the brackets or wires on your braces. Stick with softer foods for a healthier smile!

Q2: How often should I brush my teeth when I have braces?

A2: It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day when you have braces. Additionally, it’s a good idea to floss and use mouthwash every day as well to keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment.

Q3: Is it okay to eat sugar when I have braces?

A3: Yes, you can still indulge in sweet treats while wearing braces. Stick with soft sweets such as pudding, cake, ice cream, or even jello. Avoid hard candies or anything chewy like taffy and caramel because they can get stuck in the brackets of your braces and cause damage.