It’s no secret that eating certain foods can be a challenge when you’re wearing dental braces. They often get stuck in the wires and brackets, leading to some very frustrating moments. But what are some of these food items?
Braces may have bands, archwires, and brackets attached to them. Braces tend to trap bits of food and plaque, leading to cavities and gum disease. The food tends to get stuck in the brackets and bands of braces, leading to some frustrating moments. A proper hygiene routine is essential for anyone with braces, including brushing and flossing after every meal.
1– Sugar-containing foods: candy, soda, cake, etc. These types of food stick to the teeth and wires of braces, leading to cavities and other dental problems down the road.
2- Sticky foods: taffy, caramel, etc. These foods tend to stick to the teeth and braces, leading to plaque build-up and other dental problems down the line.
3- Crunchy foods: chips, nuts, etc. These types of food can easily break a bracket or damage wires on braces. They can also cause pain and discomfort.
4- Raw vegetables: carrots, celery, etc. These types of food can quickly get stuck in the braces and wires, leading to plaque build-up and other dental problems down the line.
5- Chewing gum: chewing gum is a bad habit to have while wearing braces – it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
6- Hard candy: these types of food stick to the teeth and braces, leading to cavities and other dental issues down the line. Hard candies can also damage wires on your braces if they are chewed continuously for a long time.
Foods you can eat with braces
While wearing braces, the best foods to eat include soft or smooth foods that do not contain sugar. Try to avoid sticky, crunchy, and hard foods while wearing braces.
1- Soft foods without sugar: yogurt, pudding, ice cream, mashed potatoes/potato salad/etc., meatloaf with no crust or breading on the top.
2- Kinds of pasta that are not too dry or hard: spaghetti, lasagna.
3- Pieces of bread that are soft and easy to chew: hotdog buns, dinner rolls (but make sure they’re not crunchy!), hamburger/hot dog buns (make sure they’re warmed up first!). Bread with no crust on the top or bottom can be eaten, but make sure not to chew on crusts or intricate pieces of bread.
4- Bagels that are soft and easy to chew: cream cheese bagel with no crunchy bits inside it (watch out for the seeds!).
5- Cookies without sugar in them can get stuck easily in braces! Watch out for small chocolate chips or other crunchy bits.
Tips to Remember While Wearing Braces
1 -Brush your teeth after every meal.
2- Floss your teeth every day.
3- Visit your dentist regularly.
4- Avoid sticky, crunchy, and hard foods while wearing braces.
5- Use mouthwash regularly.
Most importantly, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene. Braces are an investment in your future – take care of them by keeping regular trips to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and orthodontist will also give you tips on how to take care of your braces.
