Incorporating a healthy diet is an important part of your oral health. In fact, you will get so much more from your orthodontic treatments (like wearing braces) if you follow a nutritious diet. This is because a proper diet provides the essential nutrients to your bones that are needed during braces treatment. And, even if you do not wear braces, there still is a recommendation to eat a well-balanced diet for the overall health benefits. And, while braces have come a long way and are designed to be sturdier than ever before, a patient should still do what they can to avoid damaging their braces. And, that means avoiding certain foods while you have braces. As a general rule, try to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy. Soft foods on the other hand, are recommended because they are less likely to damage braces. If you have braces, you definitely should read our list of foods to avoid, and how to make healthy, hard foods work for you.
Avoid These Foods If You Wear Braces
As mentioned above, the foods that can damage your braces are often hard, chewy, or sticky. Here is our list of foods to avoid…
-Hard candy
-Sticky candy
-Ice cubes
-Popcorn
-Nuts
-Corn chips or taco shells
-Gum
-Pretzels or hard crackers
Some hard foods, like raw vegetables, are good for your health and can be eaten if you cut them up into smaller pieces. So, when possible, break these foods into smaller pieces before you eat them…
-Raw veggies
-Fruit
-Pizza
-French or Italian bread
-Hard dinner rolls
-Burgers or sandwiches
When you wear braces it is important to avoid foods that can increase your risk of cavities. So please cut down on sweets, sugary drinks, and chips. These starchy and sugary foods cause tooth decay and promote gum disease.
There are also foods that are highly recommended for consumption while you wear braces. These foods tend to be on the softer side, which are more gentle for your braces…
-Cheese
-Yogurt
-Fruits without pits like bananas, oranges, grapes or strawberries.
-Hull-less popcorn
-Mashed potatoes
-Peanut butter and jelly
-Pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese, ravioli, and spaghetti.
Finally, some foods may stain certain elements of your braces. Avoid grape juice, beetroots, berries, and curry sauce. Sticky candy, like caramel, can cause wire damage to your braces, so avoid it at all cost while your braces are still on. And, remember to be diligent with brushing and flossing when you wear braces. Food particles and plaque can get stuck between brackets and wires so make sure to take care of it before cavities start to form. Do not miss your appointments with your dentist and orthodontist so that they can address any issues for you. And, if you play sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from injury and your braces from damage. If you follow these suggestions and guidelines, you can set yourself up for success with your braces treatment.