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Foods To Eat With Dental Braces

Published on: Mar 26, 2024

Starting a journey with dental braces can make eating a bit tricky. Some foods can cause problems, like getting stuck or hurting your braces. But don't worry! There are plenty of yummy foods that won't cause any trouble. 

In this blog, "Foods To Eat With Dental Braces," we'll explore lots of tasty options that are safe for your braces. Whether you're new to braces or you've been wearing them for a while, this blog will help you find delicious foods that won't mess with your braces. Let's discover foods that'll keep your braces and your taste buds happy!

Understanding Your Food Choices with Braces 

Braces are made of fragile parts. Although they're built to handle normal use, certain foods can harm or weaken them. Some foods also raise the risk of dental problems when bits get stuck.

What foods to eat with dental braces? 

When you first get braces, your mouth might feel sensitive. If you can eat normally, that's great! It can help your sore teeth feel better sooner. But if not, you might want to stick to soft, gentle foods to ease the discomfort as your teeth get used to the braces:

  • Oatmeal: It's not just comforting; it's also full of good nutrients.
  • Scrambled Eggs: Easy to chew and packed with protein.
  • Soups: Warm, comforting, and come in many flavors—just be careful with the temperature.
  • Pasta: Choose softer shapes for easier chewing.
  • Seafood: Especially fish that flakes easily.
  • Soft Vegetables: Steamed or boiled and full of important vitamins.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting.
  • Soft Cheeses: Tasty, full of calcium, and safe for braces.
  • Bananas: Naturally soft and sweet.
  • Yogurt: Creamy and versatile, perfect any time of the day.
  • Ice Cream: Cold treats feel good and help ease the pressure from the wires.

These foods can make transitioning to braces easier and keep your mouth feeling good.

How should you approach certain foods initially? 

Certain foods can make your teeth more sensitive or present challenges right after getting braces:

  • Chewy Breads or Rolls: They might need more pressure than feels comfortable and could even pop brackets off accidentally!
  • Chewy Cuts of Meat: It could be tough to chew in the beginning.

What foods to avoid with Braces? 

As you embark on your journey to a healthier smile, it's important to avoid certain foods completely. Anything hard, sticky, or tough to bite into can risk damaging your braces and prolonging your treatment. These foods can break brackets, shift wires, or cause other problems. Here's a list to remember:

  • Hard Candy: A threat to both braces and teeth.
  • Corn On the Cob and Whole Apples: Biting directly can loosen brackets or bend wires.
  • Sticky Candy: Taffy, caramel, and similar treats can stick stubbornly to braces.
  • Popcorn: Those kernels are braces' worst enemies.
  • Nuts: Their hardness poses a direct risk.
  • Crunchy Veggies/Fruits: When raw, they can apply too much pressure.
  • Pizza Crust: Especially when it's tough and crispy.
  • Bagels or Hard Rolls: Their density can be hard to manage.
  • Ice: Crunching is a definite no-no with braces.
  • Snack Chips & Pretzels: Any kind of hard or crunchy food might break your brackets or damage your wires.

10 Tips for Eating with Braces

Starting your journey with braces can bring excitement, but it also brings a unique set of considerations, especially when it comes to your diet. However, adjusting to eating with braces doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Here are some expert-approved tips to help streamline the process and make it more comfortable:

Begin with Small Bites: 

Initially, cut your food into smaller pieces. This reduces the need to bite directly with your front teeth, which can be sensitive or risky with new braces.

Opt for Soft Options:

Choose softer foods right after getting your braces tightened. Think of comforting choices like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies. These options require less chewing and put minimal pressure on your braces.

Be Mindful of Extreme Temperatures: 

Watch out for foods or drinks that are extremely hot or cold. Extreme temperatures can heighten tooth sensitivity, especially during the early days of braces.

Steer Clear of Sticky Foods: 

Sticky foods tend to cling to your braces, making them difficult to clean. If you must chew gum, go for sugar-free varieties, which can sometimes help alleviate soreness.

Chew with Care: 

Take your time and chew your food gently. Braces are delicate, and aggressive chewing could dislodge a bracket or distort a wire's shape.

Watch Out for Crunchy and Crispy Foods: 

Hard foods like raw carrots, apples, or crusty bread could potentially harm the brackets or wires of your braces. It's better to soften them by cooking, steaming, or baking or slice them into smaller, manageable pieces.

Swish and Rinse: 

After eating, swishing water around your mouth helps dislodge any food particles stuck in or around your braces. This prevents plaque buildup and staining.

Invest in the Right Tools: 

Carry a travel toothbrush, or consider getting a water flosser. Brushing and flossing are important for keeping your braces clean, especially after meals.

Stay Hydrated: 

Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and helps maintain oral cleanliness. It aids in washing away food debris and acidic residues.

Listen to Your Orthodontist: 

Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions on avoiding certain foods and how to care for your braces. Their advice comes from years of experience and expertise, so it's important to heed their recommendations.

Conclusion 

Embracing the right foods while wearing dental braces can make your orthodontic journey smoother and more enjoyable. By incorporating brace-friendly options into your diet, you can maintain your oral health and ensure the effectiveness of your treatment. Remember, making smart food choices is integral to caring for your braces and achieving the smile you've always wanted.

Get Started on Your Smile Journey in Pearland, TX 

Transform your smile with expert care from Dr. Afroz Burges, DDS, PA! For new patients, dial 281-547-2632, while existing patients can reach us at 713-340-2889. Book your appointment now and embark on your journey to a confident, brace-friendly smile!

FAQ 

Can I eat crunchy fruits and vegetables with braces? 

Yes, but it's best to cut them into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid damaging your braces.

Can I chew gum with braces? 

Sugar-free gum in moderation might be okay, but sticky gum can get stuck in your braces and should be avoided.

Are there any foods I should completely avoid with braces?

Yes, foods that are hard, sticky, or require excessive biting force should be avoided to prevent damage to your braces.

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