Here at Scott Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves to live life smiling, and that goes double for you when you’re getting orthodontic care! So, we know that today’s braces are faster, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before, but what about dietary restrictions? We asked Dr. John, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel to give us some guidelines, so let’s take a look at the answer to the question: what can I eat with braces?
Eating With Braces: The Basics
When you get braces, it’s important to think about how your diet will need to change a bit to accommodate your orthodontic treatment. Certain foods can damage the brackets and wires, prolonging your treatment time. However, there are plenty of delicious and braces-friendly foods you can enjoy without worry. Not only that, but your braces can even encourage you to adopt a healthier diet overall!
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Let’s start with the foods that are best left off the menu. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods are your braces’ worst enemies. These foods can cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend, which means an extra trip to Scott Orthodontics to get things fixed. As much as we love seeing your smiling face, we know you have things to do! So here are some examples of what to avoid to keep yourself to only your regularly scheduled appointments:
- Sticky Foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and toffee can stick to your braces and cause damage.
- Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, and even ice can break your brackets or wires.
- Chewy Foods: Bagels, licorice, and certain types of bread can be tough on your braces and make cleaning difficult.
Braces-Friendly Foods
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about the delicious foods you can still enjoy while wearing braces. Soft foods are your best friends when it comes to eating with braces. These foods are gentle on your brackets and wires and are less likely to cause any issues. Here are some examples of braces-friendly foods:
- Dairy: Yogurt, soft cheese, and pudding are great options for a snack or part of a meal.
- Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and peaches are easy to eat and won’t damage your braces.
- Vegetables: Cooked or steamed vegetables like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes are healthy choices that are also braces-safe.
- Proteins: Tender cuts of meat, chicken, and fish, along with scrambled eggs and tofu, are all excellent sources of protein that are easy to eat with braces.
- Grains: Soft bread, pasta, and rice are staples that fit well into a braces-friendly diet.
Smart Substitutes: What to Eat Instead
Craving something you shouldn’t have with braces? No problem! There are plenty of smart substitutes that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your orthodontic treatment. Here’s a guide to braces-friendly alternatives for those foods that are typically off-limits.
If you’re missing the crunch of chips or popcorn, consider switching to soft crackers or pita bread. Pair these with hummus to enjoy a satisfying crunch that won’t risk damaging your braces. For a popcorn-like experience, puffed corn snacks or rice cakes are excellent alternatives, offering that same satisfying crunch without the troublesome kernels that can get stuck in your braces.
When it comes to chewy sweets, which can be particularly damaging to your braces, there are safer ways to indulge your sweet tooth. Instead of reaching for sticky candies, opt for soft chocolate bars or peanut butter cups. These treats are sweet, satisfying, and much gentler on your braces. Additionally, fruit smoothies or yogurt-based desserts provide a refreshing and braces-friendly alternative to chewy candies.
If you love biting into apples or munching on crunchy carrots, you don’t have to give them up entirely. Simply slice your apples thinly or cook them to make them soft and safe to eat with braces. Similarly, instead of raw vegetables, try steaming or roasting them. Cooked carrots, for example, are much easier on your braces than their raw counterparts and still provide the nutrition you need.
These simple swaps allow you to enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your braces—and your treatment—intact.
Keeping Your Braces and Teeth Clean
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you’re wearing braces. Food particles can easily get trapped in your brackets and wires, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Brushing Tips
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth after every meal. Make sure to clean around the brackets and along the gum line to remove any food particles and plaque.
Flossing Tips
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get between your teeth and under the wires. This will help prevent cavities and gum disease while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
More Questions? Come On By!
At Scott Orthodontics, you’re always our first priority. No matter whether you’re coming in to our Lakeland or our Winter Haven office, you’re getting the kind of personalized care you just won’t find from practices where the most important thing is the bottom line.
So come on by to see Dr. Jonathan Scott, Dr. Gregory Scott, or Dr. Karen Patel. We care about your smile, and your consultation is always free!