It’s often a concern for most parents and teenagers about what you can eat with braces. And living with braces takes some getting used to. Taking the necessary precautions to avoid what could damage or break your teeth, will take you one step closer to healthier teeth. Hard and chewy foods can do an immense amount of damage to your teeth, even without braces. It can also leave with you with excruciating pain if you allow yourself to binge on hard chips, nuts, bagels, skittles and the like. This should be enough for you understand how much more damage these foods could do to your teeth with braces. This article will help you find out how to eat right with braces.
Fret not! Teeth braces will not limit you to bland soups and porridges; you will still have plenty of options to choose from. With that in mind, here are some foods to eat with braces whether you are jetting off to a fun new destination or are visiting the New Mexican joint, just around the corner of your house. We hope these tips will guide you to prepare your meals with ease while helping you understand what food items you should avoid.
About every 5-8 weeks, you will have to visit your orthodontist for an adjustment appointment. This adjustment may result in your teeth feeling sensitive and sore to certain foods for a few days. During this period, it is advised that you eat soft foods that require very little chewing. There are braces friendly smoothie recipes that are perfect for this time in your journey to a straight smile! We have listed out the same to choose foods that are healthy for your teeth.
How to Eat right With Braces
If you want to know how to eat healthy with braces, you need to know the foods that you should eat with braces. You should also know the foods you should avoid with braces.
Foods to Eat with Braces
1. Fruits
- Melons
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
2. Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed Spinach
- Beans
3. Grains
- Pasta
- Steamed Rice
4. Meats
- Meatballs
- Soft Cooked Chicken
- Lunch meats
4. Dairy
- Pudding
- Milk-based drinks
- Soft cheese
To help you plan your meals better, we also have curated a list of what you can eat during each meal.
Breakfast
1. Scrambled Eggs
2. Smoothies
Snacks
1. Banana/Avocado
2. Applesauce
Lunch
1. Soup
2. Porridge
Dinner
1. Ravioli or Chicken Noodle Soup
2. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes
While you are making a conscious effort to switch up your food habits a little, it is also important to know what foods you should avoid and stay away from. Hard and sticky foods damage your braces and may cause pain when your braces require an adjustment or installation. Additionally, hard and sticky foods may crack your newly-installed braces. So, if you’re someone who enjoys chips and tacos a lot, you might want to treat your teeth with a little more care. Here’s a list of foods you should avoid to keep the discomfort at bay.
Foods You Should Avoid with Braces
- Raw Carrots
- Apples
- Nuts
- Granola
- Bagels
- Hard Shell Tacos
- Pizza Crusts
- Ice
- Popcorn
If you have a sweet tooth, these tips are equally important to you. Sugary foods can easily lead to plaque build-up and with your braces on, your teeth are more susceptible to damage and develop swollen gums. Even if you do consume sugary foods, make sure you brush and rinse your mouth thoroughly. This will help in removing any excess sugary foods stuck in your teeth.
Braces are a long-time commitment. Taking oral care a more little seriously will help you achieve healthy and well-aligned teeth. Win the battle against tooth decay and start practicing a healthy lifestyle today!
Author Bio:
Emily Taylor is the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA. She strongly believes that a beautiful smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – the weather is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. Sheg also likes to bake, and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
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