What can and can't you eat with braces?
If you are planning on getting braces, you may know that your eating habits will need to change. But how much? Will you need to give up your favourite foods?
The good news is that you will not be stuck only eating oatmeal until the end of your treatment. There are plenty of good foods you can still eat while you have your braces on. Eating a healthy diet while avoiding hard foods will help keep your teeth strong and healthy and protect your braces against damage.
Why You Should Avoid Certain Foods When You Have Braces
Your braces are made of many different pieces like metal brackets and wires that fit together to create your orthodontic device. To protect and care for your braces, you should avoid chewing on hard objects or foods.
Along with avoiding damaging foods, you will need to regularly clean your teeth. This will prevent bacteria from building up that can cause cavities and decay.
What foods can't you eat with braces?
If you have braces then you will want to avoid foods that can damage them, such as:
- Nuts
- Potato chips
- Popcorn
- Crunchy vegetables
- Hard candies (e.g. lollipops)
- Gum (sugar-free gum is okay)
- Sticky candies (like fruit gummies)
- Corn on the cob
- Apples
- Beef jerky
- Pizza crust
Along with hard foods, some objects and habits can cause damage to your braces, including:
- Pen or pencil-chewing
- Nail biting
- Toothpicks
- Chewing on straws
What foods are safe to eat with braces?
Now that we have covered what you shouldn't eat when you have braces, let's talk about the food that you can safely enjoy. Here is a list of foods that are perfectly fine to eat when you have braces:
- Pastas
- Mashed potatoes
- Meats with no bones
- Soft veggies
- Fruits
- Dairy products
- Soft breads and sandwiches
- Casseroles
- Pizza (without the crust)
- Soups
Every time you have an orthodontic checkup at Vincelli Orthodontics, your orthodontist will visually inspect your braces for signs of wear and tear or broken pieces, and make repairs if necessary. Avoiding hard foods like those listed above can help prevent the components in your braces from breaking. This can go a long way in helping you finish your orthodontic treatment in the expected amount of time.