Why you need to avoid certain foods.
If you’re reading this, you have probably been told that there are a lot of things you cannot eat while you have braces on. While there is a list of things we highly recommend that you don’t eat or drink with braces on, we also have an even longer list of things that you CAN have with your braces!
While undergoing Orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to take excellent care of your teeth. In order to achieve optimal results, daily oral health practices can help you reach your goal of a beautiful smile!
The AAO recommends to brush your teeth after every meal or snack throughout the day, and a minimum of twice a day. If brushing your teeth is not possible after every meal or snack, simply rinsing with water is better than doing nothing. Then, floss your teeth at least once a day, and more often as needed.
Finally, eating soft foods helps avoid having your Orthodontic appliances from breaking. As much as we love seeing our patients, we would hate for you to have to come in constantly due to a broken bracket from eating something that broke your braces!
Below is a list of what you can and can’t have to avoid breaking your Orthodontic appliance while still enjoying food during treatment!
So, what foods & drinks should you avoid?
Avoid eating foods such as: hard pretzels, crunchy chips, hard taco shells, caramel candies, beef jerky, slim jims, suckers, nuts, raw carrots, and popcorn.
Hard bread, such as pizza crust, rolls, and bagels should be torn into small bite size pieces.
Meat on the bone, such as ribs and chicken wings, should be cut off the bone.
Avoid drinks such as: soft drinks (or pop)and citrus drinks in large quantities. You will also want to avoid chewing on ice, pens, and pencils.
What foods do we recommend you eat?
We recommend foods such as: grapes, sliced oranges, sliced bananas, sliced apples, marshmallows, milk chocolate, soft breads, soft brownies, hamburgers, hot dogs, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, enchiladas, soft tacos, lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccini, grilled cheese, pringles, cheeto puffs, ice cream, cake, and pie!
We totally understand that some of your favorite foods might be on the list of things you can’t have, but just remember, this is only temporary! Your treatment time will be over before you know it and you will be back to eating whatever type of foods you want.
It is important to remember how important your oral health is, especially while in treatment. Orthodontic treatment does not last forever, but the way you care for your teeth will have a lasting impact on your smile for life. Making appropriate oral health choices now may not seem like a lot, but they quickly add up to achieve that beautiful smile!
