8 Major Foods to Avoid If You Have Dental Braces On

Getting dental braces can be a transformative experience, giving you the opportunity to achieve a beautiful, straight smile. However, along with this exciting journey comes the responsibility of taking care of your metal braces or any other braces. It ensures they work effectively to achieve your desired goal.

One important aspect of care involves being mindful of what you eat. Certain foods can pose a risk to your braces, potentially causing damage or prolonging your treatment time. In this article, we’ll explore nine major foods you should avoid if you have dental braces.

1. Sticky and Chewy Candies

Candies, like caramels, taffy, and gummy bears, are one of the most common culprits that can wreak havoc on your braces. These treats can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean properly. Additionally, they can exert unnecessary pressure on your braces, potentially leading to breakage or misalignment.

2. Hard and Crunchy Snacks

Snacks like popcorn, hard pretzels, and nuts should be consumed with caution while you have braces. These foods can put undue pressure on your orthodontic cases, leading to bent wires, broken brackets, or even dislodging them entirely. Opt for softer alternatives to satisfy your snack cravings.

3. Chewy or Hard Foods

Foods like bagels, hard rolls, and tough meats can be problematic for braces wearers. Biting into these foods can create stress, leading to discomfort or damage. It’s best to cut these foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces to avoid straining your braces.

4. Whole Apples and Raw Carrots

While fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, whole apples and raw carrots can be challenging to eat with braces. Biting into these hard and crunchy items can put undue pressure on your orthodontic appliances and potentially damage them. Consider slicing them into smaller pieces before consuming them.

5. Corn on the Cob

This food item should be avoided while wearing braces. Biting directly into the cob can cause brackets to come loose or wires to bend. Instead, enjoy corn kernels that have been cut off the cob.

6. Crunchy Chips and Pretzels

These snacks can cause problems for braces wearers. The hard and crispy texture can lead to damage or discomfort, and small pieces can easily become lodged in your braces, making thorough cleaning challenging.

7. Carbonated and Sugary Beverages

Sodas and sugary juices should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether. These drinks can contribute to enamel erosion, cavities, and staining. Additionally, carbonated beverages can create gas bubbles that might cause discomfort with braces.

8. Gum and Sticky Snacks

Chewing gum and indulging in sticky snacks can be detrimental to your braces. Gum can get tangled in your brackets and wires, and sticky substances can be difficult to clean off properly. This can lead to bacteria buildup and compromise your oral hygiene.

9. Corners and Chewy Breads

Biting into these types of bread can lead to bracket breakage or wire displacement. You can choose softer bread options that are gentler on your metal braces.

While it’s important to avoid certain foods to protect your braces, it’s equally crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the best treatment outcomes. Regularly brush and floss your teeth, paying special attention to cleaning around your metal braces and underneath the wires. Your dentist may provide specific cleaning tools or techniques to help you maintain optimal oral health.

Get the Best Care Possible for Your Metal Braces

Wearing dental braces requires some adjustments to your eating habits to protect your investment and achieve the best results. Avoiding sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy foods can help prevent damage and ensure a smoother orthodontic journey. At the same time, it might feel like a temporary inconvenience, but the payoff of a straight, healthy smile is well worth the effort. Remember, the dietary restrictions are temporary, and once your braces come off, you’ll be free to enjoy all your favourite foods again.

Contact dentist Bella Vista at Dentistry on Solent to discuss your food options in detail. We will help you to achieve the best possible outcome.