When you first get braces, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what foods are safe to eat. With brackets and wires in your mouth, you may be concerned about damaging your braces or causing discomfort. Often get asked to doctors about what foods are best for patients with braces. Here’s a dentist’s advice on what food you can eat with braces.
Braces and Food: Dentist’s advice
Advice from your dentist about what food you can eat while wearing braces.
- Soft Foods
Soft foods are your best friend when you have braces. They are gentle on your braces and won’t cause any damage. Some soft foods that you can enjoy include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked vegetables
- Soups
- Stews
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft fruits, such as bananas and berries
These foods are not only safe for your braces but are also nutritious and will provide you with the energy and nutrients your body needs.
- Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are excellent for your teeth and bones. They are also easy to eat when you have braces. However, avoid hard cheeses and opt for softer varieties instead. Hard cheeses can get stuck in your braces and cause discomfort.
- Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body, including your teeth and gums. Some protein-rich foods that are safe to eat with braces include:
- Soft cooked chicken
- Fish
- Tofu
- Lentils
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
These foods are not only safe for your braces but are also delicious and nutritious.
- Soft Grains
Grains are an important source of energy and nutrients. However, some grains can be tough and chewy, which can cause discomfort when you have braces. Opt for soft grains, such as:
- Cooked pasta
- Soft bread
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
These foods are easy to chew and won’t damage your braces.
- Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are essential for maintaining good oral health. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy. However, some fruits and vegetables can be tough and chewy, which can cause discomfort when you have braces. Opt for softer varieties, such as:
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft fruits, such as bananas and berries
- Avocado
- Canned fruits
These foods are not only safe for your braces but are also nutritious and delicious.
Food to Avoid
While there are plenty of foods you can eat with braces, there are also some foods you should avoid. These include:
- Hard candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Ice
- Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots
- Sticky foods, such as caramel and taffy
These foods can damage your braces or get stuck in your wires and brackets, causing discomfort.
Conclusion
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite foods. You can still enjoy a variety of foods that are safe for your braces and provide you with the nutrients your body needs. Stick to soft foods, dairy products, protein-rich foods, soft grains, and soft fruits and vegetables, and avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. If you have any questions or concerns about what foods you can eat with braces, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.