Are you planning to throw away the sour, sugary, and gummy snacks? What about nuts and corn on the cob?
If you’re planning to throw those out with the hard candies and other treats that are unhealthy prior to getting braces at your Fort Worth Orthodontist, then we’re proud of you! These are foods that you should not only not eat with braces, but simply aren’t healthy for you at all.
However, there are plenty of great, healthy foods you can eat that provide quality nutrients for both your oral and overall health. If you’re at the point of gtting braces to improve your smile, let’s take it a step further and support that new, healthy smile.
Let’s take a look at foods that you can eat with braces, and expand your options for healthy eating.
What to Eat When You First Get Braces
Whenever you have dental work done, it’s usually best to take it easy on the braces and eat foods that are gentle to your likely sensitive teeth in the days following your initial appointment. When you first get braces, we tend to recommend foods that are soft and healthy. Stick to the easy-to-chew foods first.
Some great, easy-to-chew with braces foods include:
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Steamed or roased vegetables
- Smoothies
- Soft fruits, such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruits
- Soup
- Salad
- Ravioli and other noodle dishes
- Fish
- Spaghetti and ground beef
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft bread
- Pancakes
- Soft tortillas
- Cheese
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Let’s get the not-so-fun part out of the way now! In an ideal world, you would be able to eat and drink anything you want with braces. But there are certain foods that you’ll have to bid farewell to during treatment – namely anything that’s hard or sticky. These foods can damage your wires or bands or even cause a bracket to separate from a tooth.
Some foods to completely avoid with braces include:
- Ice, but come on that’s a given!
- Hard candy – we all know this, right?
- Sticky, chewy, candies like tootsie rolls, milky way, gummy bears, and jelly beans.
- Popcorn – skip the snacks at the movies.
- Nuts
- Hard pretzels or chips – soft pretzels are better anyways, am I right?
- Crunchy vegetables or fruits – If your child is addicted to apples as much as mine, they’ll be fine.
- Pizza crust – who eats this anyway?
- Bagels or hard rolls – what year is this?
Let’s Get Back to Nourishing Foods For Your Smile
Embarking on your orthodontic journey doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice enjoying good food. While braces require you to make some changes to your diet, there’s still a wide range of braces-friendly foods you can enjoy without fear of damaging your appliances. Today, we at Ahava Orthodontics are bringing you the ultimate guide on the best foods to eat with braces!
Soft, Nutrient-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
A balanced diet is crucial for overall health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that support oral health, but some can be hard and potentially damaging to braces. The solution? Opt for softer alternatives or modify harder fruits and veggies to make them braces-friendly.
Some great options include:
- Bananas: A powerhouse of essential nutrients and easy on your braces.
- Berries: Small and soft, they pose little risk to your orthodontic appliances.
- Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are all delicious, healthy, and soft.
- Steamed vegetables: Lightly steaming veggies like carrots or broccoli makes them tender and easier to chew.
- Avocado: Full of healthy fats, it’s as soft as it is nutritious.
- Chopped or grated hard fruits and veggies: Small pieces of apples or raw carrots are less likely to cause damage.
Protein Sources That Are Easy On Your Braces
Protein is an essential part of any diet, and it’s crucial for maintaining healthy gums and healing tissues in your mouth. However, certain protein sources, like steak or hard, crunchy nuts, can be tough on braces. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives that won’t risk damage to your orthodontic work.
Consider incorporating these into your diet:
- Fish: Most fish is soft and flaky, making it easy to chew.
- Poultry: Opt for tender, well-cooked chicken or turkey.
- Eggs: Prepared any way you like, eggs are a great soft protein source.
- Beans and legumes: High in protein, they’re also soft and easy to eat with braces.
- Tofu: This plant-based protein source is versatile and braces-friendly.
- Nut butters: Get the protein benefits of nuts without risking your brackets. Choose creamy versions to avoid any small, hard pieces.
Easy-to-Eat Dairy and Grain Options
Dairy products are rich in calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. Grains, on the other hand, provide necessary energy and are generally soft and easy to chew. Here are some top braces-friendly picks from these categories.
Dairy and grain options to enjoy:
- Yogurt: Smooth and creamy, it’s a great source of protein and calcium.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses or thinly sliced hard cheeses are perfect for braces wearers.
- Milk and milk alternatives: Pair these with your meals for added calcium.
- Soft breads: Choose soft, fresh bread over hard, crusty varieties.
- Cooked grains: Foods like rice, quinoa, or oatmeal are gentle on your braces.
- Pasta and noodles: Well-cooked pasta is easy to chew and satisfying.
While it’s essential to know what to eat, it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Sticky candies, popcorn, hard fruits, and raw veggies are some potential culprits that can damage your braces.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting your braces, but also about nourishing your body and your teeth. At Ahava Orthodontics, we want to ensure your journey to a healthier, brighter smile is enjoyable and delicious. Bon appétit!
