Wearing braces can pose a difficult challenge when it comes to eating. Since before braces, you most likely didn’t think twice about what you would consume on a daily basis, it can be hard for to give up certain foods that are not ideal, especially while wearing braces.
What Not to Eat
In general, it is best to stay away from foods that can do damage to brackets and wires, such as the following:
- Hard and crunchy foods- popcorn, chips, nuts, and hard candy
- Chewy and sticky foods- taffy, caramels, gum, licorice, fruit snacks, and gummies
- Foods that require work when biting into them- apples, corn on the cob
What to Eat
While there may be a daunting list of what not to eat, there are a variety of things that can be eaten, such as the following:
- Dairy Products- yogurt, milk shakes, pudding, and soft cheeses
- Soft Grains- pasta, rice, soft breads, tortillas, pancakes, pita bread, and muffins
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables- applesauce, bananas, kiwi, zucchini, peppers, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables
- Meats and Seafood- salmon, tuna, ground beef, deli meat, and soft chicken
- Snack Foods- ice cream, Jell-O, crackers, smoothies, hummus, and soft pretzels
In order for your braces to be effective in their treatment, it is important to ensure that you are not eating the wrong foods. Otherwise, you may be looking at a longer treatment period.
In the event that you have any questions or concerns about what you should or shouldn’t eat, be sure to contact your orthodontist before making the decision to eat something that may not be allowed.
Beauty Smile Orthodontics specializes in braces for adults and children alike. Contact us to get started on your beautiful smile for your beautiful future today.