Getting braces can be a transformative experience, both for your smile and your daily routine. There's a lot to navigate-the initial adjustment period to regular tightening appointments.
You need to pay attention to your orthodontist's advice, like avoiding sticky or hard foods that could damage your braces. But it's not all restrictions; there are plenty of tasty alternatives to explore!
In the following content, I'll share with you a list of foods you can and cannot eat with braces. I'll sprinkle in some fun facts and tips to make your braces journey a bit more enjoyable!
[See also: How much do braces cost?]
[See also: Can you chew gum with braces?]
Why foods matter when taking braces
Foods play a key role when you have braces because they can directly impact your orthodontic treatment.
Scientific evidence shows that certain foods can damage braces and cause longer treatment times and potential discomfort.
For instance, hard foods like nuts or popcorn kernels can bend wires or even break brackets, while sticky foods like caramel can get stuck in your braces.
Foods high in sugar or acid can contribute to enamel erosion, which may exacerbate cavities or discoloration.
By being mindful of what you eat, you can help give a smoother and more successful braces journey.
10 foods you can eat with braces
Here are 10 foods that are safe and easy to eat with braces:
Soft fruits (Category: Fruits)
Examples: Bananas, kiwis, berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Benefits: Soft fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are gentle on braces, easy to chew, and promote overall health. Berries, in particular, are packed with fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Cooked vegetables (Category: Vegetables)
Examples: Steamed carrots, squash, potatoes
Benefits: Cooked vegetables retain their nutritional value while becoming softer and easier to chew. They provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, supporting healthy vision, digestion, and immune function.
Pasta (Category: Grains)
Examples: Spaghetti, macaroni, ravioli
Benefits: Pasta is a versatile and filling option that is gentle on braces. It provides carbohydrates for energy and can be paired with soft sauces made from tomatoes, cream, or cheese for added flavor and nutrition.
Yogurt (Category: Dairy)
Types: Greek yogurt, regular yogurt
Benefits: Yogurt is a calcium-rich dairy option that supports bone and dental health. It also contains probiotics, which promote gut health and digestion. You can choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties to minimize sugar intake.
Soft cheeses (Category: Dairy)
Examples: Mozzarella, brie, cottage cheese
Benefits: Soft cheeses are rich in calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health. They are easy to chew and won't stick to braces. It is a convenient and nutritious snack option.
Oatmeal (Category: Grains)
Types: Rolled oats, steel-cut oats
Benefits: Oatmeal is a hearty and filling breakfast option that provides fiber, complex carbohydrates, and B vitamins. It promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Soft bread (Category: Grains)
Examples: Sandwich bread, rolls, pitas
Benefits: Soft bread varieties are easy to chew and won't put excessive pressure on braces. They provide carbohydrates for energy and can be paired with protein-rich fillings like deli meats, cheese, or nut butter for a balanced meal.
Eggs (Category: Protein)
Types: Scrambled, boiled, omelette
Benefits: Eggs are a versatile and nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They support muscle growth and repair, brain function, and overall health. Eggs are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in various ways for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Smoothies (Category: Beverages)
Ingredients: Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, milk or juice
Benefits: Smoothies are a convenient way to pack in nutrients from a variety of ingredients. They are easy to consume and can be customized to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Smoothies provide hydration, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and well-being.
Ice cream (Category: Dairy)
Types: Vanilla, chocolate, fruit-flavored
Benefits: Ice cream is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in moderation during orthodontic treatment. It provides calcium and protein from dairy, along with carbohydrates and fats for energy. Ice cream can be soothing for sore mouths after braces adjustments and offers a comforting reward for sticking to your treatment plan.
10 foods you cannot eat with braces
In this section, find the 10 foods to avoid when you have braces:
Hard candies and lollipops (Category: Sweets)
Examples: Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, jawbreakers
Reason to avoid: Hard candies can easily damage braces by bending wires or dislodging brackets. They also pose a choking hazard if they break apart unexpectedly.
Popcorn (Category: Snacks)
Reason to avoid: Popcorn kernels can get lodged between braces and teeth, leading to discomfort and potential damage to wires and brackets. Unpopped kernels can be hard and difficult to chew, risking braces breakage.
Nuts and seeds (Category: Snacks)
Examples: Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds
Reason to avoid: Hard and crunchy nuts and seeds can exert excessive pressure on braces, causing them to break or become loose.
Sticky candies (Category: Sweets)
Examples: Caramels, taffy, gummy bears
Reason to avoid: Sticky candies can adhere to braces and teeth, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities and decay. They can also pull on braces and cause to come loose or break.
Hard pretzels (Category: Snacks)
Reason to avoid: Hard pretzels are tough and crunchy, posing a risk of damaging braces. Biting into hard pretzels can put undue stress on braces brackets and wires and leave you discomfort and potential breakage.
Chewy foods (Category: Snacks)
Examples: Bagels, tough meats, chewy bread
Reason to avoid: Chewy foods require excessive force to bite and tear, which can strain braces and increase the likelihood of damage. They can also get stuck in braces, which makes them difficult to remove and leading to hygiene issues.
Corn on the cob (Category: Vegetables):
Reason to avoid: Corn on the cob is hard and can be difficult to bite into and risk the damage to braces. Biting into corn kernels can cause them to get stuck in braces and give you discomfort and hygiene issues.
Hard fruits and vegetables (Category: Fruits & vegetables)
Examples: Apples, carrots, raw broccoli
Reason to avoid: Hard fruits and vegetables require excessive force to bite and chew, which can strain braces and potentially cause them to break or become loose. It's best to opt for softer cooked varieties instead.
Chewy candy (Category: Sweets)
Examples: Chewy candies, toffee, fruit chews
Reason to avoid: Chewy candies are sticky and can easily adhere to braces and teeth. It will increase the risk of cavities and decay. They can also pull on braces, causing them to come loose or break.
Hard chips and snack foods (Category: Snacks)
Examples: Tortilla chips, potato chips, pretzel chips
Reason to avoid: Hard chips and snack foods can be sharp and abrasive, posing a risk of damaging braces. Biting into these foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend and result in discomfort and potential orthodontic issues.
Avoiding these foods can help prevent damage to your braces and ensure a smoother orthodontic
How to do if you eat foods you shouldn't eat with braces
Oops! So, you accidentally chomped down on a piece of forbidden candy or went rogue with some crunchy snacks while sporting braces? No worries, we've all been there! You can start by rinsing your mouth like you're trying to win a swishing competition.
Then, give your braces a quick inspection in the mirror. If they're looking wonky or wobbly, it's time to hit up your orthodontist for some emergency repairs – they're like the superheroes of the dental world!
Now, onto damage control – and I don't mean dodging incoming broccoli. Break out your toothbrush and floss like you're in a dental dance-off. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies around your braces. If you're feeling extra fancy, slap on some orthodontic wax to smooth out any rough edges – think of it as giving your braces a cozy blanket!
Let's learn from our snack-time slip-up. Remember, braces and hard, sticky foods are like oil and water – they just don't mix. So, next time, stick to the soft stuff and save your braces from becoming the latest casualty in the war against stubborn popcorn kernels. After all, a little humor and some smart snacking choices can go a long way in keeping your braces adventure on the straight and narrow – just like your smile goals!
