What Foods You Cannot Eat With Braces?

Published Date: September 17, 2024 Last Update: September 26, 2024

Author: Dr. Manpreet S. Walia

After getting braces, many orthodontist patients always think about the foods that they can easily eat with their braces on. And if you are also the one who wears braces, we know that the same question “which food should you eat and which to avoid” also comes in your mind too. Don’t worry! Read this blog to know the answer of this question. As understanding the foods that can damage your braces is crucial for maintaining your orthodontic treatment and ensuring a smooth journey toward a beautiful smile.

The Importance of Avoiding Certain Foods with Braces

Wearing braces is a significant investment in your oral health and appearance, and it's crucial to protect that investment by avoiding certain foods that can damage your braces. Broken brackets or bent wires can lead to extended treatment times, additional visits to your orthodontist, and increased costs.>

Moreover, certain foods can also impact your overall oral health while wearing braces. Sticky and sugary foods can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay, while acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and stain your braces. By being mindful of your food choices, you can maintain good oral hygiene and ensure a successful orthodontic treatment.

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Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods can cause significant damage to your braces, potentially leading to broken brackets, bent wires, or extended treatment times. Here's a list of foods that you should definitely avoid:

1. Hard Foods

Hard foods are one of the biggest enemies of braces. Their tough texture can cause significant damage to the brackets and wires, leading to costly repairs and prolonged treatment times.

Some examples of hard foods to avoid include:

• Nuts

  Almonds, peanuts, and other hard nuts can easily break brackets when chewed.

• Ice

  Chewing on ice cubes is a common habit, but it can loosen brackets and damage wires.

• Corn on the cob

  Biting corn directly from a corn cob can dislodge brackets and put excessive pressure on the teeth.

• Whole apples

  These crisp fruits are best avoided unless cut into smaller, manageable pieces.

• Hard candies

  Sucking on hard candies, especially jawbreakers candies and lollipops can break brackets and lead to other dental issues.

2. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods are another category to be cautious about when wearing braces. These foods can adhere to the brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean off and potentially leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Some examples of sticky foods to avoid include:

• Chewing gum

  Chewing gum can stick to the braces and is difficult to clean off, potentially causing damage to the brackets.

• Caramels and chewy candies

  These chewy candies can adhere to brackets, making them hard to remove and increasing the risk of tooth decay.

• Liquorice or licorice candies

  Similar to other sticky candies, it can get stuck in braces and be challenging to clean.

3. Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods can also cause damage to your braces. The hard texture can lead to broken brackets or bent wires, causing discomfort and requiring additional visits to your orthodontist for repairs. Following are some examples of crunchy foods to avoid:

• Popcorn

  The popcorn kernels can break brackets or get stuck between teeth, leading to irritation and potential damage.

• Chips

  The crunchiness of chips can lead to damaged wires and cause discomfort when chewing.

• Fryums

  The super crunchy and hard texture of fryums may damage braces.

4. Chewy Foods

Chewy foods, while not as damaging as hard or sticky foods, can still put excessive pressure on your braces. This pressure can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend. Here are some examples of chewy foods to avoid include:

• Tough meats

  Tough and stringy meats can get stuck in braces and cause irritation.

• Dense breads

  Chewy breads like sourdough or whole-grain breads can put too much pressure on braces.

Other Foods to Consider

While these foods not necessarily cause damage to your braces but still impact your orthodontic treatment in other ways. These include:

• Acidic foods and drinks

  Citrus fruits and acidic drinks can erode enamel and stain braces over time.

• Sugary foods

  Excessive sugar can lead to plaque buildup around braces, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Alternatives and Substitutions of Foods That Can Satisfy Your Cravings

While some foods are off-limits while wearing braces, there are plenty of other food options that can satisfy your cravings without putting your braces at risk. Here are some food alternatives that you can try:

• Instead of hard nuts, opt for nut butters or softer nuts like cashews.
• Instead of whole apples, enjoy small apple slices.
• Instead of hard candies try softer candies like chocolate but remember to eat this once in a while to prevent tooth decay.

By finding suitable alternatives, you can still enjoy your favorite foods’ flavors and textures while protecting your braces and maintaining good oral health.

Tips for Eating with Braces

When you have braces, it’s important to choose foods that are not only delicious but also gentle on your teeth and braces. Here are some categories of foods that are generally safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips to make eating easier:

• Cut food into smaller pieces

  This minimizes the need to bite directly with your front teeth, reducing the risk of damage.

• Opt for softer foods

  Foods like yogurt, cheese, mashed potatoes, banana, applesauce and smoothies are gentle on braces and easy to eat.

• Cook vegetables

  Steaming or boiling vegetables makes hard vegetables softer and easier to chew.

• Choose the right types of bread

  Soft breads like white bread or airy muffins are generally safe, while crusty or chewy breads should be avoided.

• Stay hydrated

  Drinking water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth clean.

• Avoid snacking

  Frequent snacking can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Instead, stick to regular mealtimes and limit snacking between meals.

• Practice good oral hygiene

  Brushing and flossing regularly is crucial for maintaining good oral health while wearing braces. Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean hard-to-reach areas.

• Use orthodontic wax

  If you experience discomfort from a protruding wire or bracket, apply orthodontic wax to the affected area to create a smooth surface.

• Consult with your orthodontist

  If you have any concerns or questions about specific foods, don't hesitate to ask your orthodontist for guidance.

By being mindful of your food choices and by following the above-mentioned tips, you can enjoy your meals without causing damage to your braces. Remember, your orthodontist can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific needs, so don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.

Conclusion

Wearing braces requires some adjustments to your diet, but it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your enjoyment of food. By being aware of the foods to avoid and following the tips provided, you can navigate your orthodontic treatment with ease and confidence. Remember, your orthodontist is there to support you throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to ask for guidance or advice. With proper care and a balanced diet, you'll be well on your way to a beautifully aligned smile.