Do's And Don't For Braces: What Can You Eat?

We know that sometimes it can feel like your braces are holding you back. However, you constantly try to remind yourself that it will all be worth it once your orthodontic treatment ends. In order for you to get the smile you are hoping for, you will need to make sure you are taking care of your mouth, your teeth, and your braces the way you are supposed to. It is important that you make sure you watch what you eat and drink during your orthodontic treatment. 

This may seem like another hurdle or roadblock you will have to jump over when you wear braces, but following the right advice can save you from doing any damage to your braces. If you cause damage to your braces because you failed to eat the right foods, this will delay the amount of time it would take to get you that beautiful smile you have been waiting for.

We know that it can be disappointing to avoid eating some of your favorite foods, including your favorite snacks. Generally, the same foods that are bad for your braces are the same foods you were told to avoid eating before you had braces. However, you have to be more careful now because it will be harder to treat tooth decay while your braces are on.

Foods You Can Eat

When you are looking for foods you can eat, we recommend that you stay away from any foods that can get stuck in your braces or around the wires on your braces. Eating soft foods will be much better. Here are some of the foods that we recommend you eat while you are wearing braces.

• Soft meats like turkey and tender chicken
• Eggs
• Ice cream
• Applesauce
• Cooked rice
• Cooked pasta
• Steamed vegetables
• Soft fruits
• Soft breads like pancakes, muffins, and biscuits

Foods You Should Not Eat

It will only take one bite of something you should not eat to realize the impact. One bite of something can significantly damage your braces. If your braces are damaged, this will compromise your entire orthodontic treatment plan. We want you to avoid eating these foods as much as you can while you are wearing braces. If you feel that you cannot stay away from these foods, we recommend that you use caution while eating them.

• Hard breads
• Tough meat
• Gum
• Ice
• Hard candy

Before you eat anything that you are concerned about, we suggest that you ask yourself the following questions:

• Will the food I am eating cause damage to the wires or the brackets?
• How much sugar is in the food? 
• How long will this food possibly be in my teeth?

We know that you do not want to stop eating those delicious foods and snacks. Wearing braces does not mean you only have to drink water and smoothies until your braces are taken off. There are various things you can eat and drink during the time your braces are on. You can find different recipes and create your own recipes that will allow you to eat foods that will not cause any damage to your braces or your teeth.

Protecting your braces and your teeth will involve choosing the right foods to eat. You also have to make sure you take care of your teeth with your braces on. It may take a little more time and effort to brush your teeth and floss them properly, but it will all be worth it. If you already have braces or if you are thinking about getting braces, contact us today if you want to receive more information on how to choose the right foods and snacks to eat while wearing braces.