Although braces have become much sturdier in recent years, some foods can still damage them. Here's a little from our Surrey orthodontist about which foods you can and cannot eat during your orthodontic treatment with braces.
If you're straightening your smile with orthodontic braces, it’s important to know which foods to avoid in order to prevent damaging your braces or increasing your risk of tooth decay.
In general sticky, chewy foods can loosen brackets or cause damage to the wires, and sugary, starchy foods can create plaque which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Avoid foods that are sticky, hard or chewy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces since these types of foods could damage your braces making them less effective.
Examples of some specific foods to avoid are: corn chips, gummy worms, popcorn, nuts, and hard candies.
Foods You Can Enjoy with Braces
Soft foods are great for people with braces because they are gentler and less likely to cause damaged to the brackets and wires.
A few examples of foods you can continue to enjoy while wearing braces include: mashed potatoes, soft cooked veggies, yogurt, soft fruits (bananas, grapes, etc.), cheese, and pasta.
Because people who wear braces should avoid biting into hard foods with the front teeth, foods such as raw vegetables, chewy bread, fruit and corn on the cob, should be cut up into small pieces in order to avoid damage to coloured braces.
Why You Should Follow These Guidelines For Eating with Braces
Your orthodontic treatment could end up taking longer if your braces get damaged while you're wearing them. So help to keep your braces in tip top shape by choosing foods that are safe to eat with braces, and avoiding those that could cause damage or lead to tooth decay.