As we learned in our last month’s establishment, many foods are ideal for eating when wearing braces – but what foods should you avoid when wearing braces? This blog will give an essential food list to avoid while wearing your new braces.
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What Can You Eat When You First Get Braces?
Although it doesn’t hurt to get braces, you may likely experience tooth sensitivity afterward. Thus, it would be best to avoid foods with tough textures. Sticky, hard to chew, or crunchy foods are also problematic.
Softer processed foods are recommended for the first few weeks after getting braces. Bread with a soft crust, mashed potatoes, and boiled pasta are great options. Think of all those things you ate as a baby because adults thought you needed soft food! Because you’ll also have to learn how to chew differently, your orthodontist will likely recommend that you eat only soft foods for the first few days.
The following foods are ideal after getting braces:
- Mashed potatoes;
- Oatmeal;
- Chocolate mousse or any moist dessert;
- Soft scrambled eggs;
- Soup;
- Yogurt;
- Soft grains;
- Soft fruit;
- Soft cheeses;
- Cooked or soft vegetables.
Sensitivity will improve over the next few days or weeks after getting braces. From there, you’ll be able to return to your regular diet.
What to Avoid Eating Right after Getting Braces
In addition to knowing what foods you can eat after getting braces, you should also know which foods you should not eat after getting braces.
There are plenty of foods you can eat with braces. Nonetheless, some “safe” foods might not be ideal immediately after getting braces, as they can cause too much pressure and sensitivity in your mouth.
The following foods should be avoided after getting braces:
- Chewy candies;
- Tough chocolates;
- Ice cream;
- Thick rolls or tough bread;
- Thick cuts of meat;
- Spicy food;
- Citrus food.
In general, you should avoid eating food that’s tough to chew. As soon as your teeth adjust to the braces, you can eat these without a problem.
What Foods Break Braces?
To ensure that your brace-wearing experience is a success, you should be aware of the number of foods that can damage or cause your braces to loosen too quickly. If any of these foods damage your braces, you will have to return to your orthodontist for readjustments—and it may cost extra! Thus, it’s best to avoid these types of food altogether.
Here are some examples:
- Fruits with hard pits (i.e., cherries) or large seeds;
- Hard candy;
- Crunchy snacks such as potato chips or pretzels;
- Jawbreaker candy;
- Sugar cubes;
- Sandwiches with tough crusts;
- Steak;
- Pizza;
- Bagels;
- Eating and chewing gum.
Additionally, avoid food that’s too cold or hot. If it’s too hot, the boiling heat inside your mouth could damage your tooth enamel. If it’s too cold, the food might be too tough to chew and lead to chipped teeth.
Dr. Lee’s Dangerous Foods List
With that in mind, here at Loudoun Orthodontics, we want to ensure all patients are aware of what should or should not be eaten when wearing braces. Therefore, we have compiled Dr. Lee’s Dangerous Foods List as a guide for our patients after years of experience with teeth straightening devices and careful observation:
The “Never Eat!” When You Have Braces List
Foods that loosen brackets, which results in more treatment time, include:
- Bagels & hard bread: e.g., French bread croutons and any bread with a hard crust;
- Hard & sticky candies: e.g., Skittles, Starburst, Laffy Taffy, Twizzlers, Caramel, etc.
- Hard fruit: Be sure to cut and cook it before eating;
- Raw veggies: e.g., cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, celery (cut into small pieces and cook before eating);
- Hard to chew or sticky food: e.g., hard shell tacos, beef jerky, granola bars, corn chips, pretzels, ice, hard pizza crust, chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, etc.
Don’t Forget to Keep Your Braces Clean!
It’s essential to be strict with your oral hygiene in order to prevent food particles from getting stuck in your braces. Always remember to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. This habit will ensure the longevity of your braces and will make your experience wearing braces more enjoyable. Plus, every day, you’ll be one step closer to a gorgeous smile.
It is always important to remember that everyone reacts differently to braces. While some people may only have a week or two of extreme sensitivity, others can experience extended soreness. The best way to cope with this discomfort is by keeping your mouth constantly clean and drinking plenty of water.
Take advantage of the Waterpik flosser or other water flosser devices, which are especially beneficial for flossing under the wire. Brushing alone cannot get all the debris out, so remember to always floss!
Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY Consultation!
Choose Loudoun Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Treatment!
We at Loudoun Orthodontics believe that no obstacle should stand between you and the perfect smile, and our experienced dental team is ready to make your dreams a reality. Ready to get started on your teeth-straightening journey? Reach out today to book a free, easy consultation at our friendly office in Lansdowne, VA! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health!