We all treasure food in one way or another. Whether hiding away to pick from our secret candy stash or munching and crunching on healthy greens, we can never give up our love for food. Eating our favorite foods brings us joy and satisfaction no matter the occasion.
Now, you might be considering getting orthodontic treatment such as braces to improve your dental health and self-confidence. That’s great! But before you’ve decided on braces, you might be wondering, “What about food? Are there certain foods I won’t be allowed to eat anymore?” “Do I have to give up my favorite meals to maintain a beautiful smile?” These questions can be overwhelming at first, but we’re here to answer them.
At Loudoun Orthodontics, we believe that no significant health benefit can be achieved without an accompanying sacrifice. So no matter whether you spend your time running outside or at the gym, or by saying “no” to excessive fast food, we all need to contribute to improving our health.
Straightening teeth follows the same principles. No, it’s not bad news at all! Yes, you’ll have to pay more attention to what you eat, but along the way, you’ll get to experience or create new and exciting dishes that won’t damage your braces.
Join us in learning about “the perfect food” for your braces!
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Eating with Braces
If you are wearing braces, you may be wondering what types of food are best for keeping your braces clean and your teeth healthy. Unfortunately, there is no one perfect food for braces – somehow, something always finds its way into the nooks and crannies of the wires and brackets. In addition, certain foods can still even damage and break the rubber bands or brackets themselves. However, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow to make sure that you are eating the right food while you have braces.
Why Eating the Wrong Foods with Braces Is Bad?
Most people think that the consequences of eating food with braces are limited to an unsightly smile or damage to your teeth and braces. However, it’s more than that. Not only do the wrong foods and drinks damage your teeth and brackets, but they also contribute to the increased risk of plaque and bacteria build-up around your braces, which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. These ills result in expensive dental bills and can also affect overall health. Thus it is essential to be aware of what you should avoid.
The “A-Okay” When You Have Braces List
As we have mentioned, there is no perfect food for braces. However, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all of your favorite foods. These days, there are tons of food substitutes you can enjoy!
- Fruit, such as bananas, watermelon, & strawberries
- Hummus
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Omelets
- Pizza (without the crust)
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Rice & Beans
- Vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and celery (cooked)
- Pasta with tomato sauce
Ask your orthodontist if you’re not sure whether or not a food is safe to eat.
With these guidelines in mind, you can still enjoy many of your favorite meals – you’ll just need to be a bit more creative about how you prepare them. Call it your new journey into the world of food connoisseurs.
Drinks You Can Have with Braces
Sure, you can’t eat many of the foods that are right for your braces. But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to water and juice! Here are some examples of food & drinks you can enjoy (and how):
- Soda with no solid ingredients (popsicles, ice cubes)
- Milkshakes with crushed ice (you can even make them at home!)
- Coffee (with cream & sugar only)
- Tea (without the bag)
- Apple Juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice
- Sports drinks without pulp or high-fructose corn syrup
- Soup (consume with a spoon, not a straw)
- Water (Duh!)
Again, these are just a few examples, so if you’re ever in doubt, ask your orthodontist. And remember to drink plenty of water every day! It’s essential for good oral hygiene and helps keep your braces clean.
Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY Consultation!
Choose Loudoun Orthodontics for Your Orthodontic Treatment!
Contact Loudoun Orthodontics if you think braces are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of braces or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (703) 858-0303 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today to book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 19465 Deerfield Ave, Suite 304, Leesburg, VA 20176, proudly serves not just Loudoun County but also the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Ashburn, Lansdowne, or Sterling, and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Virginia, don’t hesitate to visit our office! 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, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!