Braces are a fantastic way to achieve a perfect smile, but they come with their own set of challenges—especially when it comes to eating.
If you’re a teen, a parent, or anyone thinking about getting braces, you might be wondering, “What can I eat with braces?” You’re not alone.
The good news is that your diet doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a little bit of planning and the right choices, you can enjoy delicious meals without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
With that being said, let’s talk about what foods you can eat with braces and which foods to avoid.
Types of Food to Avoid with Braces
To get started, let’s first knock off the foods you should avoid while wearing braces.
Braces are delicate, and certain foods can cause significant damage or discomfort. Steering clear of these items will help you maintain your braces and achieve the best possible outcome.
1. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy foods like caramel, chewing gum, and gummy candies can get stuck in your braces and are challenging to clean out. They can also pull on the brackets and wires, potentially causing damage.
2. Hard and Crunchy Foods
Foods like nuts, hard candies, and chips can break the brackets or bend the wires. It’s best to avoid these until your braces come off. They are bad for your teeth and bad for your braces, avoid them all together.
3. Sugary Foods and Drinks
While not directly harmful to braces, sugary foods and drinks can lead to plaque buildup and cavities, which are harder to manage with braces. Try to limit your intake of sodas, sweets, and other sugary treats.
Best Types of Food to Eat with Braces
Now that we know what to avoid, let’s explore the best foods for braces wearers. These foods are not only safe but also nutritious, ensuring you get the essential nutrients for overall health.
1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and peaches are excellent choices. Vegetables like cooked carrots, peas, and spinach are easy to chew and won’t damage your braces.
These are all soft on your teeth and won’t cause damage to your braces. Just be sure to brush and floss carefully after eating these foods as they can still get stuck in your braces.
2. Soft Proteins
Proteins are essential for building strong and healthy teeth, but with braces, some protein sources may be off-limits.
Avoid tough meats like beef jerky and opt for softer options like fish, eggs, tofu, and yogurt instead.
3. Soft Grains
While hard bread and crusty pizza might not be the best option for someone with braces, there are plenty of soft grain alternatives available.
Oatmeal, pasta, rice, and quinoa are all excellent choices that won’t harm your braces. Just be sure to cook them until they are soft and easy to chew.
Tips for Eating with Braces
Besides knowing which foods to eat and avoid, there are a few tips that can make eating with braces more manageable.
- Cut your food into small pieces: Cutting your food into smaller pieces makes it easier to chew and less likely to get stuck in your braces.
- Chew carefully: Take time to chew your food thoroughly, especially tough or crunchy items. This will reduce the risk of damaging your braces.
- Rinse after meals: After eating, rinse out your mouth with water to help remove any leftover bits of food from your braces. You can also use an orthodontic rinse to help clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid using your front teeth: When eating, try to avoid using your front teeth. Instead, use your side and back teeth to chew food. This will put less pressure on your braces.
- Brush and floss regularly: Keeping your braces clean is essential to prevent plaque buildup and maintain good oral health. Make sure to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the challenges of eating with braces doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By being mindful of the foods you choose and understanding what can you eat with braces, you can enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet while protecting your orthodontic investment.
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to stick to a boring diet. With careful planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy a wide range of delicious foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
At Wagner Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.