There are a variety of different food items that you should be mindful of if you have braces. In this blog, we will talk about the types of foods that should be enjoyed or should be avoided because they can damage your braces. A good thing to remember is that braces are only temporary. So, once your treatment is complete, you can enjoy your favourite snacks once again! In the meantime, there is still a lot more food that you can eat than can’t!
Food to Avoid
There are three main types of foods that should be avoided when you have braces. They are sticky food, crunchy food, and chewy food. This is because these food items can get caught in between your brackets or wires, or even break your braces! Some of these foods are:
- Popcorn,
- Nuts,
- Taffy-like candies like Hi Chew, Tootsie Rolls, and Fruit Roll Ups,
- Caramel,
- Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, Werther’s or Lifesavers,
- Kettle cooked chips,
- Hard crunchy breads like croutons or baguettes,
- Bone-in meat,
- and firm whole fruits and veggies like carrots, corn on the cob, or apples.
If you are unsure, maybe skip on the snack this time and ask your orthodontist! We are always happy to let you know if a food is safe to eat or not!
Food to be Mindful Of
There are other foods that you should keep an eye on too because they can get stuck and cause buildup between your teeth and your braces. These food items are still safe to eat, but you should be more mindful and clean your braces well after eating them! Some of these foods are:
- Breads,
- Cheetos Puffs,
- Goldfish crackers,
- Rice,
- Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, or kale.
These are all good food items to eat because they are softer and easier to chew, especially when you have recently had an adjustment. A good brush, or rinsing your mouth out if you don’t have your toothbrush handy, should do the trick!
Food to Enjoy
There are still so many food items that are safe to eat and can be enjoyed while you are going through your braces treatment! Soft foods are always safe to eat! They can protect your braces and they can also be a little more comfortable to eat if you recently received an adjustment. Some safe foods are:
- Bananas and berries,
- Yogurt, pudding, or applesauce,
- Ice cream,
- Ground beef,
- Chicken,
- Eggs,
- Oatmeal or overnight oats,
- Cooked veggies,
- Soups,
- Pasta,
- Cheese,
- Seafood,
- And so much more!
Conclusion
Many people are concerned about the food limitations that are in place for people who wear braces, but in reality, there are still so many safe food options that are oftentimes more nutritious! Braces are often only worn for a short time, so if your favourite snack is one that should be avoided, you will be able to eat it again very soon!
Are you interested in straightening your teeth? You can book a consultation with us here!