Are you tired of getting food stuck in your braces? Confusion about the selection of food types for people with braces is real. Let’s categorize what to eat and what not to eat with braces on.
But first, we need to have an outlook on what braces are, their type, and why food gets stuck.
Braces
Dental braces are considered as the most effective method of straightening teeth. A person’s smile is the first thing noticed; if it’s crooked, their impression won’t last.
Braces have the power to transform smiles. They are set up in a way to put pressure on the targeted teeth. That pressure causes the jaw bone to move in the desired direction, hence, straightening them.
Apart from the conventional steel wire braces, we have many more options in our hands.
Few alternatives are
- Lingual braces (inside)
- Surgical braces (orthognathic)
- Clear removable aligners (Invisalign)
- Self-ligating brackets
- Metal braces
Here’s a quick guide containing the types of food that you should avoid eating and which ones are good to go.
What to Eat and What Not to Eat with Braces
Food options that you should steer clear of while having braces and why
1. Hard Foods
Nuts, candies, taco shells, popcorn, etc., come under this category. Braces are sensitive; hard foods can cause the bracket to detach from the tooth. It can be from one or multiple sites.
2. Chewy Foods
Keep away from chewy foods like bagels, licorice, bread, gums, and meat because they will stick themselves on the wire.
Proper cleaning without professional help is difficult when wearing braces. This can ultimately lead to other dental problems.
3. Ice
Teeth become sensitive to cold when put in braces; thus, one must not eat ice directly. The pain after consumption can be intolerable.
4. Foods That Require Biting
Apples, pears, and corn are all the types of food that require biting. The biting action will cause wires and brackets to loosen and break away from the tooth.
5. Highly Pigmented Foods
Avoid fruits and vegetables like beetroot, cranberries, and blueberries. They tend to leave marks on the teeth because of their high pigmentation content.
6. Drinks
Drinks containing high sugars (carbohydrates) are harmful as they damage wires. Soda is one such example.
Foods That Can Be Consumed With Braces On
1. Soft Foods
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice
2. Filling Liquid Options
- Lentils
- Soups
- Shakes
- Smoothie bowls
Conclusion
We hope this guide helped, and now you know what to eat and what not to eat with braces on.
Smile time dental is just a call away. You can easily contact us at 281 245 0711 for further guidance. For your ease we can set up a consultation with one of our dentists too.