The Dos and Don’ts of Eating Snack Foods While Wearing Braces
A major milestone in life includes braces when you’re an adolescent. Straightening your teeth when you’re growing up allows them to move into place without too much effort. Wearing braces, however, is usually a long-term commitment. You’ll need to alter your eating habits to a certain degree. Take a look at the dos and don’ts of eating snack foods so that you can make an educated decision when your stomach rumbles.
- Do Enjoy Grains
Bread, pasta, rice and other grains are perfectly acceptable when you’re wearing braces. If you find biting into bread to be a bit challenging, tear it up into smaller pieces. This trick works for nearly any food type. You avoid tearing the food with your front teeth, which can lead to damaged braces.
- Don’t Try Sticky Items
Gum, taffy, caramel and other sticky items must be left behind until your braces come off. They can instantly adhere to your braces, which leads to lost and broken components in almost seconds. Removing the food from the braces can be painful as well, so reserve these items as a reward after the braces are removed.
- Do Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are often hard, but you can get around this fact by cutting them into small pieces. Let your molars perform all the work, such as enjoying an apple or celery. Your body needs as many nutrients as possible, which makes fruits and vegetables critical to your smile’s ultimate success. Don’t forget about steaming or sauteing your produce too.
- Don’t Indulge in Popcorn
Colgate reminds everyone to avoid popcorn while wearing braces. The kernels can become lodged in the braces or close to the teeth. Damage to both the teeth and braces is possible. The goal is to avoid any foods that can stick to or within the braces. Brushing and flossing can only do so much when it comes to cleanliness.
- Do Consume Certain Proteins
Nearly any protein is appropriate when you’re wearing braces. Soft items, such as tofu or eggs, are perfect for after adjustments when the braces might be tighter than normal. Try chicken, beef and pork for other meals too. Remember to cut them into bite-size pieces to avoid any damage to the braces.
- Don’t Overlook the Nuts
Nuts are hidden in many different foods, including muffins and bread. Be sure to analyse any foods that might have nuts before you eat them. Nuts can stick to the braces and possibly pop off components. It’s always best to steer clear of any food that might harbor any size nut.
- Do Add Dairy to the Diet
Nearly any type of dairy item is safe for braces. Focus on low-fat yogurt, milk and soft cheeses. If you want a harder variety of cheese, such as Parmesan, try slicing or shaving it into smaller pieces. Dairy has many nutrients that nourish the teeth, so making these items a priority in your diet is preferable.
- Don’t Drink a Lot of Sugary Beverages
Drinking juice or soda may seem like a benign habit when it comes to braces care. Liquids can’t possible hurt the braces. However, the sugars in these drinks can damage rubber bands, ligatures and contribute to cavities. Oral-B suggests limiting or avoiding sugary drinks when you’re wearing braces. Water and similar beverages are better for you overall.
Your orthodontist can let you know if there are any foods that have damaged your braces. With regular appointments, you’ll eventually learn which foods to avoid right now. When the braces come off, you’ll have a brilliant smile with plenty of snacks to enjoy then.
