When your dentist lists the changes you’ll need to make while wearing braces, it may seem like a big drag. The good news is if you stick to these habits, you’re more likely to get the braces off sooner, as well as save money on damaged hardware that would require replacement later. So, to help you get started, your orthodontist in Weatherford has made a list of foods to avoid, prepare ahead of time, or indulge in while you undergo treatment.
The good news is you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods just to get straight teeth.
Foods That Should Be Avoided as Much as Possible
Many foods can get stuck underneath your orthodontic hardware, making oral care extremely difficult and increasing your risk of dental disease. Even worse, some of these foods can damage your braces, which is often expensive to fix. To make your treatment as smooth as possible, it’s important that you limit your consumption of these foods daily. They include:
- Gum
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Sticky or hard candy
- Gummy candies
- Hard taco shells
- Ice
- Corn chips
- Hard cookies or crackers
- Sticky or hard chocolate
Besides the fact these foods can easily get caught in your hardware, they also heavily contribute to tooth decay because of their high sugar and/or starch content. Thankfully, there are many appropriate replacements while wearing braces.
Foods You Can Eat Without Much Issue
It’s nearly impossible to prevent food from getting stuck in your teeth or braces entirely, but the difference is these foods can easily be rinsed or brushed out with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Many of them are also healthier than the previous foods mentioned. Just make sure you eat the sweet foods in moderation and always practice daily oral care to prevent cavities. They include:
- Soft breads such as muffins, soft taco shells, and pasta
- Soft-cooked rice
- Chicken, turkey, ground beef, and lunch meat
- Tuna, salmon, cod, and crab cakes
- Yogurt and soft cheeses
- Steamed vegetables
- Eggs
- Beans
- Soft fruits like bananas, grapes, berries, and clementines
Foods You Should Prep for Easier Consumption
Some foods fall into a gray area when it comes to eating with braces. In this case, it’s imperative that you or your parent prepares them for easier consumption. For example, corn on the cob is an absolute nightmare to eat with braces (or without braces for that matter), however, you can still eat corn if it’s been removed from the cob. Other examples include:
- Sliced apples, pears, or peaches
- Chopped or baby-size vegetables like baby corn, carrots and chopped celery,
- Chewy breads like pizza crusts or bagels
- Ribs removed from the bone and cut into smaller pieces
While braces can limit your diet initially, you’ll complete treatment faster and have a healthier, more attractive smile as a result. To learn more tips on managing your habits with braces, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist in Weatherford today!
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Romack has taken over 1,000 hours of continuing education since she earned her dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Much of her post-graduate education revolved around orthodontics. To learn more about your Weatherford orthodontist or about her practice, contact her through her website.