While recent advancements have made braces sturdier, you still have to take precautions because they can still be damaged. The wires, rubber bands, and brackets can break when you eat certain foods. Here, our Burnaby orthodontists explain which foods you can and can't eat during your braces treatment.
Are you having your orthodontic condition treated with braces? If so, it's essential that you avoid certain foods that could put you at risk for cavities or damage your braces.
Sugary and starchy foods generate plaque acid that can cause tooth decay and promote gum disease. Sticky, chewy sweets such as toffee, fudge, and caramel can also damage the wires and loosen the brackets.
Feeds You Have To Avoid With Braces
Typically, patients that have braces need to avoid any food that is sticky, hard, or chewy and can break braces or make their impact less effective. Here are some examples of foods you will need to avoid when wearing braces:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Corn chips and pretzels
- Sticky/hard chocolate
- Gum
- Sticky/hard candy
- Hard cookies or crackers
- Ice
Foods You Can Eat During Braces Treatment
Most of the time, soft foods are recommended for those who wear braces because they are gentler on the hardware. Here are some examples of food that you can eat while wearing braces:
- Light crackers or cookies
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Soft fruits without pits (bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc.)
- Mashed potatoes
- Hull-less popcorn
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and other noodle dishes
People with braces should also try to avoid biting into hard foods with their front teeth. When possible, you can cut the following hard foods into smaller pieces:
- Corn on the cob
- Fruit
- Hard bread or rolls
- Raw vegetables
- Thin crust pizza
- Meat and Burgers
It can take years to straighten teeth with braces, and any damage to the wires or brackets can increase the length of your treatment. To keep your braces intact, be sure to select foods you can eat and take good care of your oral health.