What type of food can you eat while you have braces? Can you have pizza? What about gum? Will you only eat soft foods until the end of your treatment? What food to avoid with braces? These are all valid questions to consider if you consider getting braces soon.
To answer your questions, we have created a list of foods you should avoid when you have braces, what you can enjoy and how to take care of your teeth after getting braces. Let’s get started!
A] Why Should You Avoid Certain Foods?
Avoiding certain foods is important when you have braces to prevent damage and maintain oral hygiene. Hard and sticky foods, like nuts, candies, and chewing gum, can bend wires, loosen brackets, or even break the braces. This can lead to discomfort, longer treatment, and additional repair costs.
Similarly, foods that are tough to chew, like meats or hard bread crusts, can get stuck in the braces or damage them. Sugary and acidic foods, such as sodas, sweets, and citrus fruits, can contribute to tooth decay, which is difficult to manage with braces.
You should avoid habits like nail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, and using your teeth to open packages, as these can all damage your braces. By avoiding these foods and habits, you can help ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and your braces stay in good condition. If you wish to know more about what precautions you should take after getting braces, our dental clinic in Sion can help you out!
B] Foods You Shouldn’t Eat If You Have Braces
Braces require adjustments to protect them from damage and ensure your treatment goes smoothly. Here are some foods to avoid:
1. Hard foods
Nuts And Seeds
While nuts and seeds are nutritious, they are often hard and crunchy for braces. Biting down on a hard nut or seed can damage the wires and brackets of your braces, leading to discomfort.
Hard Candies
Hard candies can damage not only your braces but your teeth in general. The high sugar content can lead to cavities, and the hardness of the candy can break your braces, causing issues in your treatment.
Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables like carrots and celery are healthy snacks, but they can be difficult to eat with braces. The hardness of these vegetables can break or loosen your braces. Cook vegetables until they are soft or cut into small, manageable pieces.
2. Sticky foods
Chewing Gums
Chewing gum is a major no-no with braces. Not only can it stick to your braces, but it can also be challenging to remove. Opt for sugar-free gum if you must chew gum, but it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Sticky Candies
Sticky candies like toffees and gummy candies can harm your braces. These candies can quickly get stuck in your braces and pull off brackets or bend wires. They are also high in sugar, which can lead to cavities and other dental issues.
Sticky Rice And Certain Breads
Sticky rice and certain types of bread, like bagels and hard rolls, can be difficult to eat with braces. These foods can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean properly. The stickiness of these foods can also pull off brackets or bend wires, so it’s best to avoid them.
3. Sugary Food
Soda and Fizzy drinks
You should avoid these drinks if you have braces; they are not only high in sugar but also acidic, which can erode tooth enamel. Combining sugar and acidity can lead to cavities and other dental problems. It is also advised not to consume them if you have Invisalign as it can cause tooth decay. If you want to get Invisalign treatment in Wadala, contact The Smile Canvas.
Sweets and Desserts
Avoid having desserts like caramel apples, ice cream with hard toppings, and sticky candies. These can damage your braces and increase the risk of cavities. Opt for braces-friendly desserts like soft cakes or puddings instead.
C] Food You Can Enjoy If You Have Braces
When you have braces, it can be difficult to eat many foods, but you can have these types of foods to make your meals enjoyable and comfortable. You can have foods like:
1. Dairy Products
Dairy products are soft and rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which benefit your teeth and bones. Yoghourt, milk, and cheese can be enjoyed as snacks or incorporated into meals to ensure you get the nutrients needed during the treatment.
2. Soft Foods
Mashed potatoes are a comforting and easy-to-eat option, so pair them with protein-rich toppings like beans or cheese for a balanced meal. Make smoothies with fruits and vegetables to provide you with vitamins and minerals in a refreshing way. Broth-based soups with soft vegetables are nourishing and easy on your braces.
3. Soft Pasta
Spaghetti with a smooth sauce is a classic choice that’s gentle on your braces. You can add cooked vegetables or meatballs for added flavour and nutrients. Macaroni and cheese is another great option, combining soft pasta with a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal that won’t harm your braces.
D] Tips For Eating With Braces
1. Cut The Food In Small Pieces
One tip for eating food with braces is to cut them into small pieces. Chewing is easier and reduces the chances of food being stuck on your teeth when cut into smaller pieces. In the initial days, it would be uncomfortable to eat solid foods, so try consuming soups or soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurts, etc.
2. Eat Slowly
When you have braces, you should eat slowly as it reduces pressure on the teeth and gums, minimising the discomfort. Eating slowly reduces the chances of food being stuck in your teeth, and it is much easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
You should maintain good dental health with braces. Brush your teeth after your meal to remove any excess food on your teeth. Ensure you brush your teeth thoroughly and floss regularly because sometimes plaque builds up and causes discolouration. Visit your dentist for regular checkups to see progress. If you are looking for a dental clinic in Wadala, The Smile Canvas is here to help.
Conclusion
Eating with braces does not have to be difficult! Following our list, you can learn how to eat comfortably and confidently with your braces. From cutting your food in small pieces to limiting hard or chewy food, these tips can help make your meal time much more pleasant. If you still need clarification about what to avoid and eat, consider contacting an expert like The Smile Canvas. Contact us today, and we can help you.