How Your Diet Affects Your Braces Journey
When you have braces, one of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth and successful treatment is to be mindful of what you eat. Your braces are working hard to align your teeth, and eating the wrong foods can cause unnecessary damage and pain or even prolong the process. On the flip side, choosing the right foods can help keep your teeth and braces clean, reduce discomfort, and support overall oral health.
Foods to Avoid
A few types of food should be on your “no” list while you have braces. These can damage your braces or make cleaning them properly tricky, which could lead to issues down the road.
Sticky foods: Gum, caramel, and toffee might taste great, but they can get stuck in your braces, pulling on wires or loosening brackets. Plus, they’re tough to clean out thoroughly, which increases the risk of plaque buildup.
Hard foods: Nuts, candies, and popcorn can break brackets or wires. Even biting into a whole apple or raw carrots can cause trouble. It’s not that you have to give up these foods entirely, but you’ll need to prepare them differently (like slicing them into small pieces) to avoid damage.
Crunchy snacks: Chips or pretzels might seem harmless, but biting into something hard and crunchy can put too much pressure on your braces. Plus, they can get stuck in the wires and brackets, making cleaning a hassle.
Sugary treats: While sweets like cookies, cakes, and soda might be tempting, the sugar can lead to increased plaque buildup. This is particularly problematic when you have braces because food particles can get trapped around thebrackets, making it harder to clean effectively. This could result in cavities or discolored spots on your teeth once the braces come off.
Braces-Friendly Foods
Luckily, there are plenty of foods you can enjoy while still protecting your braces and your teeth. You’ll want to focus on soft and easy-to-chew foods that don’t risk damaging your braces or getting stuck in hard-to-reach places.
Soft fruits: Fruits like bananas, berries, and melons are great choices because they don’t stress your braces. Avoid biting directly into hard fruits like apples or pears – cut them into bite-sized pieces to enjoy them safely.
Cooked vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables are healthy and braces-friendly. You can still get nutrients from veggies like carrots, broccoli, and spinach –just ensure that they’re cooked until soft.
Dairy: Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are all soft and easy to eat, plus they’re rich in calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth. You can also try adding soft cheeses to your meals or snacking on a yogurt parfait with soft fruits for a healthy treat.
Proteins: You don’t have to miss out on protein-rich foods with braces. Soft proteins like scrambled eggs, tofu, or fish (such as salmon or tilapia) are great options. They’re easy to chew and provide the nutrition your body needs to keep your bones and teeth strong.
Grains and carbs: Soft breads, cooked pasta, rice, and oatmeal are all braces-friendly and filling. You can enjoy these foods without worrying about damaging your braces or getting stuck in hard-to-clean places.
Tips for Maintaining Oral Health with Braces
Even if you’re eating braces-friendly foods, keeping up with your oral hygiene is still essential. Here are some tips to help:
Brush after meals: Since food particles can easily get stuck in your braces, brushing after every meal is a good idea. This helps remove food and reduces the risk of plaque buildup.
Floss daily: Flossing is more challenging with braces, but it’s crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Use a floss threader to help you get between the wires and brackets.
Use mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and keep your mouth fresh, reducing the chances of cavities or gum issues.
Following these guidelines and sticking to a braces-friendly diet will protect your braces, reduce discomfort, and keep your smile healthy throughout your treatment. And with a few simple recipe ideas, eating with braces can still be enjoyable!
If you’re in Naples and considering an orthodontic evaluation, schedule a free consultation at Brace Place Naples. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the orthodontic journey.
