Managing your diet is crucial when you have braces. The foods you eat can significantly impact your orthodontic treatment, either speeding it up or causing delays. To help you keep your teeth and braces in top shape, we’ve compiled this essential guide of foods you can eat with braces.
In it, we’ll explore not only the foods you can eat but also the foods to avoid. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother, more effective treatment process.
6 Essential Foods to Avoid with Braces
Life with braces can be challenging, and one of the most significant challenges is navigating what you can and cannot eat. Here are six essential foods to avoid with braces split into 2 main categories; hard and sticky.
Hard Foods
Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and raw vegetables can cause serious damage to your braces. Biting into something hard can break brackets, bend wires, and extend your treatment time.
- Nuts – While nutritious, nuts are hard and can easily get stuck in your braces. They can also apply too much pressure on your brackets, causing them to break.
- Hard Candies – These are particularly problematic because they require you to bite down hard, risking bracket damage. Additionally, they pose a risk to your dental health due to high sugar content.
- Raw Vegetables – Carrots, celery, and other raw veggies are difficult to bite into and can exert too much pressure on your braces, leading to potential damage.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods can be a nightmare for anyone with braces. They cling to your brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities.
- Chewing Gum – It’s sticky and can wrap around your brackets and wires, pulling them out of place.
- Caramel – This sugary treat sticks to everything, including your braces, and can be very difficult to remove.
- Gummy Candies – Gummies are both sticky and chewy, making them one of the worst offenders for anyone with braces.
5 Great Alternatives and Substitutes
Now that we’ve discussed the foods to avoid, let’s take a look at some great alternatives and substitutes you can enjoy while wearing braces.
- Soft Fruits – Instead of raw vegetables, opt for soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons, which are easier to chew and gentler on your braces.
- Cooked Vegetables – Cooked veggies like mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli are softer options that won’t damage your braces.
- Yogurt – This creamy treat is a great substitute for chewing gum and is also packed with calcium for strong teeth.
- Dark Chocolate – If you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a better option than sticky candies since it melts in your mouth instead of getting stuck in your braces.
- Smoothies – For a nutritious and delicious snack, try making smoothies with soft fruits and vegetables. They’re easy to consume, and you can even sneak in some extra nutrients like spinach or kale.
The Benefits of Following the Guidelines
Now that we’ve discussed food you can eat with braces and their alternatives, you may wonder why it’s important to follow these guidelines.
Here are a few benefits of sticking to the recommended diet:
Shorter Treatment Duration
By sticking to a braces-friendly diet, you can significantly shorten your treatment time. Foods that are hard or sticky can break brackets and wires, leading to additional orthodontic visits and lengthening your treatment duration.
Following these dietary guidelines helps avoid those setbacks, keeping your treatment on track.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Choosing the right foods can also improve your oral hygiene. Hard and sticky foods tend to get lodged between your braces, making it difficult to clean your teeth properly.
This can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. By opting for easier-to-chew and non-sticky foods, you make it simpler to maintain good oral hygiene.
Better Overall Health
Lastly, following a braces-friendly diet can have positive impacts on your overall health. Choosing nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, and yogurt provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals that promote strong teeth and bones.
In contrast, foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of cavities and other dental problems. By avoiding these foods, you’re also supporting your general health.
Food After Braces
Life after braces is just as important as life during braces. After your orthodontic treatment, you’ll still need to be mindful of what you eat and how it can impact your teeth.
It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and continue avoiding sticky or hard foods that can damage any retainers or aligners you may wear after braces.
Conclusion
Diet plays a pivotal role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. By avoiding hard and sticky foods with braces and opting for healthier alternatives, you can help your treatment progress smoothly and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Remember, following these guidelines not only helps keep your braces in good condition but also contributes to better oral hygiene overall.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with us at A Winning Smile Orthodontics. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
