In this blog, we’ll look at foods to eat & avoid with braces. By sticking to safe choices, you can ensure your treatment goes smoothly. Otherwise, some foods can get stuck in the wire and brackets. Then, you may need an emergency visit to fix the problem. Regarding Newcastle Orthodontics, maintaining your braces properly is essential for getting a beautiful, healthy smile.
Fortunately, restricting your diet somewhat doesn’t mean you don’t have delicious options. Plus, there are some options to enjoy for occasional treats. Remember, your braces will come off before you know it. Then, you can reward yourself with any foods you missed. Best of all, you’ll have a beautiful smile to show for life!
Avoid Foods to Eat With Braces
There’s an easy way to know which foods to eat & avoid with braces. Knowing the fact of what not to eat with braces can be challenging. Before you eat, ask yourself if the food falls into one of these categories:
- Chewy
- Crunchy
- Hard
- Staining
- Sticky
- Sugary
These types of foods and drinks can damage or stain your braces. If they are sugary, they can promote tooth decay. While wearing braces, cleaning your teeth is a little more challenging. So, it’s better to limit any food that can increase cavity risk.
Some foods to eat are hard until cooked. For example, it’s better to avoid raw carrots and whole apples. However, they are soft and safer when sliced into small pieces or cooked. Other foods to eat have hard parts, such as popcorn. These hard bits can get stuck in your braces.
Next, we’ll look closer at foods that stain. You want to avoid discoloring your brackets if you wear clear ceramic braces. The same applies to clear Invisalign aligners, but they can be taken out while you eat.
Which Foods Stain Braces?
Some foods are likely to leave a stain around teeth that you can’t clean as well temporarily. Therefore, if you can limit these foods, you can lessen the chance of stains. However, if you eat or drink them, be sure to rinse, brush, and floss immediately afterward.
Staining foods and drinks (not a complete list):
- Balsamic vinegar
- Beer
- Beets
- Berries
- Coffee
- Currants
- Curry
- Food colorings
- Grape juice
- Mustard
- Red wine
- Soy Sauce
- Tea
- Tomatoes
By limiting or avoiding these, clear braces will be less likely to become discolored.
What Can I Eat With Braces?
Now the fun part! Here are some options to enjoy for a delicious, nutritious diet. As you’ll see, they are soft. Where possible, cut foods into smaller pieces and try to stick to healthier options. On special occasions, enjoy a treat and clean well afterward.
Note: This is a sampling, and there are lots of recipes online for those with braces.
Foods to eat with braces:
- Pasta (cooked)
- Potatoes (well-cooked) (French fries!)
- Rice (well-cooked)
- Cooked soft vegetables
- Eggs
- Ice cream, Gelato, Yogurt (if not cold sensitive)
- Oats and grains
- Soft Meat
- Milkshakes and Smoothies
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Puddings
- Seafood
- Soups
- Bread (softer only)
- Cheese
- Fruit (softer only)
- Wraps and tortillas (softer only)
- Soft desserts and cakes
As you can see, there are plenty of yummy options. Plus, you can enjoy some occasional treats!
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Treats to Enjoy with Braces
For an occasional treat, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends:
- 3 Muskateers
- Chocolate (not nuts or stick fillings like caramel)
- Cookies
- KitKats
- Marshmallows
- Peanut butter cups
After enjoying these treats, rinse, brush, and floss well.
Foods to Temporarily Avoid
Right after your braces go on, your teeth and mouth will be more sensitive than usual. The sensitivity is temporary, and during this time, it may be better to avoid these foods:
- Citrus and spicy foods
- Thick bread and cuts of meat
- Ice cream (if cold-sensitive)
Once you become used to wearing braces, you can try these foods again. Generally, it may take a couple of weeks.
Drinks to Avoid with Braces
With both Invisalign and braces, avoiding sugary drinks that coat the teeth and promote tooth decay is best. Also, hot liquids can warp and stain relatively delicate clear aligners. As noted, some hot drinks like coffee can also stain braces.
Try to avoid these drinks:
- Acidic liquids
- Energy drinks
- Flavored water
- Fruit drinks
- Sodas (including diet)
- Sports drinks
As always, rinse, brush, and floss if you do partake of sugary foods or drinks.
Remember, foods to eat is only temporary while you have braces. Once your treatment is complete, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods again. In the meantime, following your orthodontist’s advice and being mindful of your diet can help ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly and efficiently.
Questions? Feel free to give us a call anytime.
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Dr. Megha Anand and the team at Orthodontic Excellence are experts in braces and Invisalign. We are happy to answer any questions about Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces, and clear braces in Newcastle WA 98059.
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