When you get braces, your diet becomes more important than ever. The foods you choose can impact your comfort and the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. For example, some foods can get stuck in the brackets, causing irritation or leading to plaque buildup, while others may even break or damage the braces. That’s why it’s essential to understand which foods to avoid wearing braces. Choosing the right foods helps ensure that your braces work effectively and that your treatment stays on track.
Why Your Diet Matters with Braces
Wearing braces is a process that gradually shifts your teeth into their proper position. However, this adjustment requires time and consistency. The foods you eat can either make this process easier or slow it down. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful of what you eat while wearing braces.
Eating the wrong types of foods can cause unnecessary discomfort or even lead to damage. For example, hard or sticky foods can pull off brackets or wires, delaying your treatment. Sugary foods can also contribute to tooth decay, which is something to avoid when you have braces. On the other hand, the right foods can promote healthier teeth and gums, which are key to successful orthodontic treatment.
Keeping your braces intact is just one part of the equation. Another important aspect is your overall oral health. Since braces can make it more difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly, eating the right foods can reduce the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. This helps protect your teeth and gums while they’re being guided into place by your braces.
To make sure your braces work as intended, avoid foods that could cause issues. The following sections will highlight some foods to avoid wearing braces and offer suggestions for healthy alternatives.
Foods to Avoid Wearing Braces
Maintaining a proper diet with braces means being careful about what you eat. Certain foods can easily damage or interfere with your braces, making it harder for your treatment to progress as planned. Here are some categories of foods to avoid wearing braces, along with specific examples to keep in mind.
1. Hard and Crunchy Foods
Hard foods can put a lot of pressure on your braces, leading to broken brackets or wires. Avoiding these types of foods is crucial for ensuring that your braces stay intact and continue to work effectively.
Examples of hard and crunchy foods to avoid:
- Nuts
- Hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers)
- Ice cubes
- Popcorn kernels
- Raw vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery)
These foods can also irritate the gums and make your teeth feel sore, especially after an adjustment.
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky foods can be a major problem when wearing braces. They tend to get stuck in between your brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean. Over time, this can lead to plaque buildup and possibly even tooth decay.
Examples of sticky and chewy foods to avoid:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Chewing gum
- Licorice
- Toffee
These foods can also pull off brackets, which may lead to uncomfortable and costly repairs.
3. Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks are always a concern when it comes to dental health, but they can be especially harmful when you have braces. The sugar gets trapped around the brackets, increasing the risk of cavities and plaque buildup. It’s also more difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly with braces, so extra care is needed.
Examples of sugary foods and drinks to avoid:
- Soda
- Fruit juices with added sugar
- Candy bars
- Sugary snacks (e.g., cookies, cakes)
- Sweetened tea or coffee
Regularly consuming sugary foods while wearing braces can slow down your treatment progress and lead to oral health issues.
4. Foods that Require Biting into with Front Teeth
Certain foods put extra pressure on your front teeth, which can be risky if you’re wearing braces. These foods often require a strong bite, which can cause discomfort or damage to the brackets and wires on your front teeth.
Examples of foods to avoid:
- Whole apples
- Corn on the cob
- Large pieces of meat that need to be torn
- Hard bread crusts
Cutting these foods into smaller pieces before eating is a safer option to prevent unnecessary strain on your braces.
Foods You Can Enjoy with Braces
While there are foods you need to avoid, there are also many delicious and braces-friendly options you can enjoy. These foods are gentle on your braces and will keep you satisfied without compromising your treatment progress.
1. Soft Foods
Soft foods are perfect for braces wearers because they’re easy to chew and won’t damage your braces. They also tend to be more comfortable eating, especially after an adjustment.
Examples of soft foods you can enjoy:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Smooth soups
- Oatmeal
These foods are not only gentle on your braces, but they also provide necessary nutrients, helping you maintain a healthy diet throughout your orthodontic treatment.
2. Cooked Vegetables and Fruits
While raw vegetables and fruits can be too hard for braces, cooking them makes them much easier to eat. Softened vegetables and fruits are full of vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Examples of cooked vegetables and fruits to enjoy:
- Steamed broccoli
- Soft-cooked carrots
- Bananas
- Peeled apples
- Avocados
These options are not only safe for your braces but also help you maintain a balanced diet while going through treatment.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products are another braces-friendly option. They provide calcium and other nutrients that help support the strength of your teeth and bones, which is especially important while wearing braces.
Examples of dairy products you can enjoy:
- Milk
- Cheese (soft cheeses like mozzarella are ideal)
- Cottage cheese
- Pudding
Dairy products also tend to be soft and easy to chew, making them great options for braces wearers.
4. Protein-Rich Foods
Getting enough protein is essential for maintaining strong teeth and gums. Fortunately, many protein-rich foods are soft and braces-friendly.
Examples of protein-rich foods to enjoy:
- Soft chicken (cut into small pieces)
- Fish (like salmon or tilapia)
- Tofu
- Soft beans
- Eggs
Tips for Eating with Braces
Eating with braces doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple habits, you can make your meals more comfortable and easier on your braces.
1. Cut Large Foods into Smaller Pieces
Cutting your food into smaller, more manageable pieces reduces the strain on your braces and makes chewing easier. It’s especially important when eating foods like apples, large pieces of meat, or sandwiches.
2. Chew Carefully and Use Both Sides of Your Mouth
Try to chew evenly on both sides of your mouth to avoid putting too much pressure on one part of your braces. This can help prevent discomfort and avoid damage to your braces.
3. Rinse After Eating
After meals, rinse your mouth with water to help remove food particles from your braces. This simple habit helps keep your braces clean and reduces the risk of plaque buildup.
How to Care for Your Braces After Eating
Proper oral hygiene is essential when you have braces. Because braces can trap food particles, it’s important to clean your teeth thoroughly after eating to avoid plaque buildup and tooth decay.
1. Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Brushing your teeth with braces can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to make sure your teeth and braces are thoroughly cleaned. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around your brackets and wires. You may also want to invest in an orthodontic toothbrush or a special floss threader to help clean between your teeth and around the brackets.
2. Using Orthodontic Wax for Comfort
If you experience any discomfort from your braces after eating, orthodontic wax can provide relief. Apply a small piece of wax to any areas of your braces that may be causing irritation to your gums or the inside of your mouth. This is especially helpful after eating sticky or hard foods, which might leave debris stuck in your braces.
Start Your Journey to a Healthier, Beautiful Smile Today
At Smiles Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to care for your braces and maintain a healthy diet during your treatment. If you’re struggling with crooked teeth, overbites, gaps, or other orthodontic concerns, our expert team, led by Dr. Bobby Virk and Dr. Helena Skountrianos, is here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
With personalized care and flexible treatment options, we are committed to making your journey comfortable and effective. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore the best treatment plan for your needs. Let’s get started on creating your beautiful, healthy smile.