Adjusting to life with braces means learning which foods you can eat and which ones to avoid. Once you have your braces put on, you will need to change your eating habits. Certain food such as hard candy and nuts can break or cause damage to your braces.
When you bite down on hard foods, they can pull away your brackets and wires causing pain and prolonging the treatment process. It is best to avoid any foods that are sticky, hard, or crunchy to keep your treatment on track. Food to Avoid While Wearing Braces Some foods to avoid eating when you have braces include:
These foods can get stuck in your braces, or biting down on them can break brackets and cause other damage. Foods to Enjoy with Care When Wearing Braces In addition to foods to avoid, there are some foods you can enjoy, but you should do so with caution to avoid damaging your braces. These foods include:
Great Foods to Eat with Braces Although there are dietary restrictions when wearing braces, there are plenty of foods you can still enjoy, including:
How to Adjust Your Diet When You Get Your Braces
When you first have your braces put on, it is recommended that you stick with a diet of soft foods to give you a chance to get used to eating with braces. Foods that require little chewing are best. There is a variety of healthy options to choose from, including:
Breakfast Foods
While you are getting used to your braces, you may consider eating smoothies for breakfast. With so many flavor combinations and tasty add-ins, smoothies are a great, customizable meal option. Scrambled eggs are another great option, or any type of egg because they are easy on your braces and full of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.
Lunch Foods
Foods like soups and chili are full of protein and veggies. There are a variety of options, and since the veggies and beans are heated in broth, they are soft and easy to chew with your braces. From homemade chili to classic chicken noodle soup, there are a variety of delicious lunch options to keep you feeling good.
Snack Foods Snacks such as bananas or apple sauce are a great option. Bananas are full of nutrition and are soft, making them easy to chew, plus they will fill you up. If you want to minimize your chewing, applesauce is a great snack to enjoy. Applesauce is available in a variety of flavors, from plain and cinnamon to blueberry or apple and banana.
Dinner Ideas A great meal for dinner is meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Each of these foods is easy to chew and provides you with the protein and carbs you need. Another great and tasty meal option is ravioli or other noodle dishes.
Top-Quality Orthodontic Care
At King Orthodontics, we provide our patients with the best in orthodontic care in the Pittsburgh area. If you have any questions about caring for your braces or what food and drinks you should and shouldn’t eat with braces contact King Orthodontics today!
