Although braces have come a long way and transformed to be sturdier with modern technology, it’s still important to be careful not to damage them. Yes, it is possible to do that. Certain foods we all adore can damage braces components like the rubber bands, wires, or even the bracket itself. The general rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid all foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy (It’s hard on everyone, we know). Soft foods are always going to be the most recommended for those who wear braces because they are gentler on braces hardware.
Read the following list of foods to avoid:
Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
Crunchy foods: popcorn, corn chips, crackers, ice
Sticky foods: caramels, gum
Hard foods: nuts, hard pretzels
Sugary food: candy
Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
When chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage your braces. When a bracket (brace) comes loose and isn’t attached to your tooth any longer, that tooth is no longer moving. In fact, it could begin moving back to wear it started and throw off all your progress.
When possible try to avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth and cut up these hard foods into smaller pieces: Raw vegetables, french/Italian bread, fruit, thin crust pizza, meats, corn on the cob.
Here are recommended foods to eat when wearing braces:
- Hull-less popcorn
- Yogurt
- Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
- Cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes
Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet is always key to anyone’s overall health, but also one’s oral health. The healthier your body is, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment because a proper diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing significant change during braces treatment, and helping you progress faster to that most anticipated smile without flaw.