Braces are a wonderful way to straighten your teeth and brighten your smile, yet they have gotten a bad rap with perceived restrictions that surround what one can eat. Kids and adults alike shy away from getting orthodontic work done because they fear that they won’t be able to consume their favorite beverages and snacks any longer.
Temporary Work, Long Term Gains
It’s important to remember that orthodontic treatments are not permanent; short-term work can yield a vibrant and healthy smile that lasts long after device removal.
Discussing your care plan with your orthodontist at the Toothbar is essential, and following her directions on recommended food and drink options will minimize damage and even has the potential to shorten your orthodontic treatment plan.
Check out this list of foods to avoid temporarily as you look forward to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Foods To Avoid When Wearing Braces
What can’t you eat with braces? The following snacks and drinks should be avoided to ensure that hardware and wire stay strong and secure. Failure to do so could cause breakage, injury, and other complications that make it difficult to continue treatment. Put them on your shopping list for a later time, and know that your self-control will be well worth it as you behold straighter healthier teeth:
1. Candy and gum
In general, any sticky or excessively chewy food should be avoided, as it can adhere to brackets and wires, tearing them out of position. Sugary residue that does remain on teeth can cause decay underneath hardware, resulting in the formation of cavities.
Excess plaque and tartar can build up along the gumline if this residue is not removed. Rather than deal with all of this extra maintenance, consider cutting these from your daily consumption to reduce the need for extra dental work in the future.
2. Hard foods
Hard foods, such as nuts, hard candy, ice, and certain types of chips and crackers can cause wires in your mouth to snap. This in turn can tear up gum tissue and other soft tissues in the mouth, causing bleeding and infections.
Cut wires must be replaced promptly to avoid damage to the mouth. Choosing softer foods is ideal, and if you must indulge yourself a crunchy snack or two, consider cutting it into smaller pieces before consuming.
3. Tough foods and foods that involve biting with the bicuspids
Tough foods such as apples, carrots, and corn on the cob can be consumed, but they must be cooked or cut before eating. Biting with the bicuspids at the wrong angle can actually push hardware up into the gum line, causing injury and a great deal of pain. Smaller, bite-sized pieces of these foods can still be enjoyed, but do so in moderation if they are in raw form.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn of any kind is a brace wearer’s worst nightmare. Hulls from popcorn can get stuck in and around brackets, making it very difficult to clean. This extra debris can result in a less-than-attractive smile if not attended to promptly. Choose softer snacks for your next movie night, such as grapes, blueberries, oranges, or slices of banana. These will be delicious and much easier to remove than those pesky popcorn hulls.
Austin Restorative Dentistry: Bringing Healthy Smiles Back!
Austin Restorative Dentistry and Austin Cosmetic Dentistry are passionate about creating healthy, vibrant smiles that express you and your individuality. We know that the key to self-confidence is a winning and wonderful smile.
Our personalized dental health plans are designed to restore, repair, and renew your dental health, one tooth at a time. Contact us today to see how we can improve your health and bring back that sparkle to your grin.
