Foods To Eat and Avoid with Braces

Braces are a popular orthodontic procedure that straightens teeth and creates a beautiful smile. Whether you are an adult or a teen, maintaining your braces is crucial to the success of your treatment. Maintaining a braces-friendly diet is one of the most important aspects of braces care. In this article, we’ll discuss the foods you should avoid and those you can eat while wearing braces. You can use this guide to help you make your food decisions while receiving orthodontic treatment from Sokoloff Orthodontics, a trusted provider of different types of braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods may damage your braces, which may cause discomfort, breakages, or a need for longer treatment. It’s best to stay away from the following to keep your braces safe and avoid any unnecessary mishaps:

Hard and Crunchy Foods:

Avoid eating hard candy, popcorn, pretzels, nuts, ice cubes, and chips. Some of these foods might put excessive pressure on your braces, which could damage brackets or bending wires.

Sticky and Chewy Foods:

Avoid chewy or sticky foods like chewing gum, candies, caramel, and crunchy. These meals may be stuck to your braces, which makes it difficult to clean them effectively and increases the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Tough Meats:

While taking the protein is necessary for good health, it’s crucial to select cuts of meat that don’t require excessive chewing. Avoid eating jerky or tough chunks of meat because they may cause excessive stress on your braces.

Hard Fruits and Vegetables:

Choose soft fruit and vegetable such as bananas, berries, cooked veggies, and steamed broccoli, rather than hard fruit and vegetable variations. Try avoiding biting into tough fruits or vegetables like carrots or apples. Cut them into bite-sized pieces instead.

Foods to Eat with Braces

Fortunately, you may still eat many delicious and healthy foods while having braces. Here are some solutions that are suitable for those who are wearing braces:

Soft Foods:

Include soft meals like yogurt, smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, and other prepared items. These choices offer necessary nutrients while being gentle on your braces.

Dairy Products:

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are dairy products that are not only creamy but also high in calcium, which supports healthy teeth and bones. Including dairy in your meals and snacks will help your orthodontic treatment become as healthy as possible.

Cooked Grains:

Choose softer grains such as quinoa, couscous, and rice while cooking. These foods are simple to chew and may be combined with various vegetables and proteins to make delicious meals suitable for people wearing braces.

Soft Fruits and Vegetables:

Enjoy a wide range of prepared vegetables and soft fruits. The following foods are great alternatives that won’t harm your braces: applesauce, melons, grapes, steamed carrots, and mashed sweet potatoes.

Seafood and Soft Meats:

Tender chicken breasts, salmon, tilapia, and other soft meats are excellent sources of protein that are easy on braces. Make sure the meats are well cooked and divided into small pieces.

If You Experience Soreness

It’s common to experience soreness or discomfort after getting braces or having adjustments. Here are some tips to alleviate any discomfort:

Stick to Softer Foods:

During the initial days after adjustments, opt for softer foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. This will reduce the strain on your braces and provide relief, whether you’re receiving braces in White Plains, NY, or elsewhere.

Warm Saltwater Rinse:

If you have sore areas or ulcers in your mouth, rinse them with a warm saltwater solution. Half a teaspoon of salt should be dissolved in a cup of warm water, which should then be gargled for 30 seconds before spitting out.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:

If you’re in a lot of pain, talk to your orthodontist about using ibuprofen or acetaminophen, available over the counter. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.

Conclusion

We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment and advice on consuming the right foods while wearing braces at Sokoloff Orthodontics. You can ensure a smooth and successful orthodontic journey by avoiding meals that can harm your braces and choosing braces-friendly alternatives. To get the best results, follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and go to your scheduled checkups. You can rely on our skilled staff and orthodontists to provide the guidance and assistance you require. Please contact us with any queries or worries regarding your braces or diet. We are always available to help you. Make an appointment with us immediately to reach a straighter, more confident smile. Call us to schedule at 914-949-0068 or visit us at 20 Old Mamaroneck Rd, Suite C White Plains, New York 10605,