Getting braces is an exciting step towards achieving a straighter, healthier smile. However, wearing braces also includes dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. The foods you eat can greatly impact the success of your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Desai likes to remind patients like you which foods to avoid and why so you can keep your braces in top shape and stay on track with your treatment plan with Elm Tree Orthodontics.
The Food Choices You Make Can Make a Significant Impact on Your Results
When you have braces, you must be mindful of what you eat. Certain foods can get stuck in the brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Other foods can be too hard, chewy, or sticky, potentially breaking or dislodging the brackets and bends in the wires. Damaged braces require extra trips to the office for repairs and can also prolong your treatment time.
Making smart food choices is key to protecting your braces and ensuring your treatment stays on schedule. By avoiding problematic foods and choosing braces-friendly alternatives, you’ll be well on your way to the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Let’s take a closer look at the types of foods to steer clear of.
Hard and Crunchy Foods Can Break Brackets and Bend Wires
Hard and crunchy foods pose a major risk to braces. Biting down on something too firm can snap the brackets off your teeth or bend the archwires out of shape. Some examples of hard foods to avoid include:
- Ice cubes
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
- Hard pretzels
- Pizza crus
- Bagels and hard rolls
- Raw carrots
- Corn on the cob
While you have braces, cutting harder foods like raw fruits and veggies into bite-sized pieces is best. Slicing corn off the cob, chopping up nuts, and cutting apples and carrots into manageable chunks will let you enjoy crunchy foods safely. Soft-baked goods, cooked veggies, and crust-free pizza are good braces-friendly options.
Chewy and Sticky Foods Can Loosen Brackets
Chewy, gummy, and sticky foods might taste great but spell trouble for braces-wearers. The gooey texture can latch onto the brackets and wires, tugging them loose over time. Common culprits are toffee, caramel, gum, licorice, and even soft bagels. Sticky foods also tend to sit on the teeth for a long time, increasing the risk of cavities.
If you’re craving something chewy, opt for softer options that are less likely to cling to your hardware. Yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, pasta, mashed potatoes, and soft-cooked meats are all braces-friendly choices packed with nutrients your body needs. Be sure to brush thoroughly after eating to keep your teeth and braces squeaky clean.
Sugary Foods and Drinks Contribute to Plaque Buildup
Braces create lots of nooks and crannies where food particles can hide. This is especially problematic when it comes to sugary, starchy foods that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Soda, candy, cookies, cake – all the usual suspects should be consumed in moderation to prevent plaque and tartar buildup around the brackets.
If you indulge in a sweet treat, brush your teeth afterward or at least rinse your mouth with water. Low-sugar snacks like cheese, plain yogurt, veggies, and hummus will satisfy cravings without coating your braces in a sticky, acidic film. And don’t forget – water is always the best beverage for your braces and your body!
How to Eat With Braces
Now that you know which foods to avoid, you might be wondering what you CAN eat with braces. The good news is there are plenty of delicious Elm Tree Orthodontic-approved options! Here are some tips for eating with braces:
- Cut hard foods up into pieces
- Choose soft, non-chewy bread like tortillas and biscuits over bagels and hard rolls
- Enjoy pasta, rice, cooked veggies, and soft-cooked meats
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with smoothies, applesauce, and low-sugar yogurt
- Stay hydrated with plenty of plain water throughout the day
- Brush your teeth after meals and snacks, or at least rinse with water
Adjusting to your new eating habits may take some time, but your braces (and your future smile) will thank you. By being mindful of what you eat and following Dr. Desai’s guidelines, you’ll breeze through treatment and show off your brand-new grin quickly!
The Bottom Line
Wearing braces is a big commitment, but it’s one that pays off in the form of a beautiful, healthy smile. Avoiding hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky, and sugary foods will help protect your brackets and wires from damage and prevent cavities and gum disease.
With a little planning and creativity, you can still enjoy a wide variety of delicious, nourishing foods that support your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about which foods are safe for your braces, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask Dr. Desai. Elm Tree Orthodontics is excited to help you on your journey to a straighter smile! You can reach us at either our North Haven office: 203-285-6114 or our Hamden office: 203-871-0981