Food Lover’s Guide: Which Foods are Safe with Braces?

Are the kids (or you) getting braces? Or did you (or the kids) recently get braces and you are struggling with what you should and shouldn’t eat? Never fear, guest bloggers Lane Cove Orthodontics have shared all the info you need!

Which Foods Are Safe with Braces?

There is some confusion surrounding what foods are safe to eat with braces and which are not. That’s why we’ve made this definitive guide so that you don’t have to think twice the next time you open the fridge or eat out.

As you can see by these quick tips, there a number of factors that you need to be aware of when you’re eating with braces.

You need to think about:

• How this could damage your braces (could it cause an emergency?)
• How it could affect your smile after treatment
• If what you want to eat it, is it worth the trouble?

Guide to Recommended Food

Here is a brief list to help you get a better idea regarding what foods are recommended or not with braces:

Soft food:

• Bananas and other soft fruits
• Soups
• Soft fresh bread (not hard crusty bread)
• Soft savoury baked goods
• Pasta/Noodles/ Rice/Mashed potato

Neutral Foods

• Meat
• Spinach (this can still get stuck in your braces)
• Cheese

Food Not Recommended with Braces

Avoid these foods:

Hard food:

• Baguettes
• Chewy lollies (Fantales, Starburst)
• Brittle candy
• Crackling
• Ice
• Nuts
• Popcorn and corn kernels
• Chewing meat from the bone

Acidic/sugary food (consume in moderation):

• Soft drinks
• Citrus fruits
• Lollies
• Sweet food (baked goods etc.)
• Added sugar

Others:

• No chewing on drink bottles, pens or finger nails

Don’t worry you won’t be on an all soup diet!

This list may seem worrying at first but soon you will know exactly what feels comfortable and what does not! After your first few adjustment appointments, you may experience some sensitivity as your teeth will be under an increased amount of pressure. During this time you will find it more comfortable to stick to eating soft foods like soup but once your teeth have adjusted you should be able to eat most of your favourite foods.

If you need some inspiration for braces-friendly meals please take a look at our recipes.

Do I absolutely have to avoid the foods on the ‘not recommended’ list?

It is in the best interest of your treatment that you do, but of course, we understand that everybody has to have a piece of chocolate every now and then. If you do think you need to have a sugary or acidic snack then we recommend drinking and swishing water directly afterward and waiting 30 minutes before brushing.

Throughout treatment, we firmly recommend you avoid crunchy/hard food. Avoiding crunchy foods is more important as these can physically break parts of your braces and cut the inside of your mouth if you’re not careful.

If you are tempted, just remember that it’s only a short time in your life and you will be able to enjoy all the crunchy bread you want later in life – with a beautiful smile, as well!

If you need any other help while you’re on the road to a beautiful smile, or if you’re considering orthodontic treatment please contact us.

Here at Lane Cove Orthodontics, we have a friendly team led by Dr Ballard and Dr Rex who love treating patients of all ages.

Find out more about braces here.

Lane Cove Orthodontics are one of ITC’s fabulous Platinum Sponsors. Without their support our website would never have been possible. #itcplatinumsponsor
This is a sponsored blog.

Address: Level 1, 138 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Phone: 02 9427 8088
Email: [email protected]
Website: Lane Cove Orthodontics
Facebook: Lane Cove Orthodontics

Do you have a local issue you would like help with? ITC is here to help just email us at [email protected]

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