Let’s face it – there are just some foods you need to avoid when wearing braces! But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice everything for that smile makeover. It’s important to know what foods to skip during an orthodontic treatment, but also good substitutes to curb your cravings! You should always remember that the number one goal is to get the best results, avoid damage to your braces, and prevent tooth decay. Here’s a simple list of ‘eat this, not that’ for while wearing your braces compiled by the folks at your friendly, neighborhood Frisco dentist.
- Try: Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- Avoid: Gummy worms
image via www.berryman.com.au
Craving something yummy and fruity? Avoid chewy candy like gummy bears or worms. Soft fruits like those above are easy on brackets and still fulfill your sugary, fruity appetite.
- Try: Filet or tenderloin with mashed cauliflower
- Avoid: Beef fajitas
image via Domesticate Me
Fatty, stringy meat can get stuck in traditional braces, as can vegetables like bell peppers. Instead, try tender meats cut into small pieces paired with mashed vegetables like cauliflower. You’ll get the protein without the hassle!
- Try: Warm brioche bread with melted butter
- Avoid: Bagel and cream cheese
image via TasteSpotting
Bagels are notoriously chewy and hard on braces, not to mention hard to bite into. Instead, opt for softer breads that are warm and broken into smaller pieces. For the ultimate indulgence, dip in melted butter.
- Try: Caramel apple cider
- Avoid: Caramel apple
image via My California Roots.
While you should avoid sugary beverages when you have braces, if you can’t beat a craving for a crisp, chewy caramel apple, opt instead for a warm cup of caramel apple cider (here’s one by Keurig). You’ll get the same flavor profile without the potential damage to your braces.
Have more questions about what you can and can’t eat while wearing braces? The team at Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics is happy to help answer your smile questions. Interested in getting braces? We can help with orthodontics, too!
