Foods to Avoid and Foods to Enjoy While Wearing Braces

Introduction

Navigating through the dietary changes that come with wearing braces can sometimes be a tricky affair. However, with the right advice, maintaining a healthy and brace-friendly diet can be a simple task. In this post, we'll guide you through foods to avoid and foods to savour when you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Understanding Braces and Your Diet

Before we delve into the particulars, it's worth understanding why certain foods may cause trouble. Braces, as an orthodontic appliance, work by applying gentle, steady pressure to gradually realign your teeth. Certain types of food can damage the brackets and wires, whilst others may increase the risk of tooth decay around them.

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces

• Hard Foods: Foods such as nuts, ice, and hard sweets can potentially damage your braces. The pressure from biting into hard foods can cause brackets to break or wires to dislodge, resulting in an inconvenient visit to the orthodontist.
• Sticky Foods: Toffees, chewing gum, and other sticky delights can become lodged between your braces and teeth. This not only makes cleaning a challenge but may also increase your risk of developing tooth decay.
• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Frequent consumption of sugar-laden food and drink, such as fizzy drinks or sweets, can lead to plaque build-up around your braces. This can cause staining and cavities, potentially lengthening your treatment time.
• Tough Meats and Breads: Tough or chewy foods like steak or bagels can place undue stress on braces. There's also the risk of such foods getting trapped in your braces, leading to hygiene problems.

Foods to Enjoy While Wearing Braces

• Soft Foods: Soft foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and pasta are braces-friendly choices. They require little pressure to chew, which reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
• Healthy Foods High in Calcium and Vitamin D: Foods such as cheese, milk, and leafy green vegetables are not just safe for your braces, but also beneficial for your oral health. They promote stronger teeth and bones, assisting in your overall orthodontic treatment.
• Hydrating Drinks: Water and milk are excellent choices as they help in washing away food particles and plaque, keeping your braces clean and your mouth hydrated.

Tips for Eating with Braces

Adapting to new dietary restrictions doesn't have to be a daunting task. Consider cutting your food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew. This is particularly helpful for fruits like apples and raw vegetables. Most importantly, maintaining good oral hygiene should be a top priority.

Conclusion

Taking care of your oral health while wearing braces is essential, and choosing the right diet plays a big role in this. Remember, while you may have to make some adjustments and avoid certain foods, there are still plenty of delicious and healthy options available. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to guide you through your orthodontic journey and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.