Foods To Love And Limit With Braces
Braces
If you recently got braces on your teeth, congratulations you have stepped toward a straighter, healthier smile! While the road to orthodontic perfection might involve some adjustments to your eating habits, it’s important to remember that you can still enjoy a variety of delicious foods with a bit of care. Let’s explore the best foods to love and the ones to limit while navigating the braces journey.
Foods to Love
- Soft and Smooth Delights
Opt for softer foods that are gentle on your braces. Yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are excellent choices. These foods satisfy your cravings without risking damage to your braces.
- Cooked Vegetables and Fruits
Steamed or cooked vegetables and fruits are easier to chew and won’t put excessive pressure on your braces. Try incorporating dishes like stir-fried veggies or a fruit compote into your meals.
- Dairy Products
Dairy is not only rich in calcium for strong teeth but is also generally soft and braces-friendly. Enjoy cheese, milk, and yoghurt as snacks or as part of your meals
- Pasta and Rice Dishes
Indulge in pasta dishes and rice-based meals. Just ensure that the pasta is well-cooked, and the rice is not too sticky. These options provide a satisfying texture without posing a threat to your braces.
- Lean Proteins
Choose lean meats, poultry, and fish for a protein boost. Ensure that these items are cooked to a tender consistency to make chewing more comfortable.
Foods to Limit
- Sticky and Chewy Treats
Steer clear of sticky candies, caramels, and chewing gum. These treats can easily get stuck in your braces, leading to discomfort and potentially causing damage.
- Hard Snacks
Crunchy snacks like popcorn, nuts, and hard pretzels should be consumed cautiously or avoided altogether. These can pose a risk of breaking brackets or bending wires.
- Tough Fruits and Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, some should be enjoyed cautiously. Cut hard fruits like apples into smaller, bite-sized pieces, and steam or cook tougher vegetables to make them easier to chew.
- Crusty Bread
Bread with a hard crust, such as baguettes or crusty rolls, can be challenging. Opt for softer alternatives like sliced bread or wraps.
- Corn on the Cob
While corn is a nutritious vegetable, eating it directly off the cob can be challenging with braces. Instead, cut the corn off the cob before enjoying it.
Enjoying food with a mindful approach to your diet and a few handy braces accessories, you can still savour a wide array of foods while wearing braces on your teeth. By making informed choices, you’ll be on the path to a radiant, perfectly aligned smile. Don’t forget to complement your braces on teeth journey with braces accessories like orthodontic wax and a braces-friendly toothbrush.
Orthodontic wax can alleviate any discomfort caused by wires or brackets rubbing against your cheeks, while a specialised toothbrush ensures thorough cleaning without causing damage to your braces. Embrace the braces lifestyle with confidence, and soon enough, you’ll be flaunting a dazzling, orthodontically enhanced smile.
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