Clear braces are a great solution to your teeth gap and underbite without the need for visible metal wires. But wearing orthodontics comes with many changes—not only in how you look but even in the way you consume your food.
Wearing it makes your teeth sensitive, and it requires a conscious effort to choose the right food to take and the ones you should avoid altogether. The food you eat directly impacts the look of your teeth and the effectiveness of your device.
Here’s a guideline for what to eat and avoid if you have clear braces.
What can you eat with braces?
What can you eat with braces? As a general rule, you have to consume soft food when you have white braces.
Foods such as soups and broth are good choices. You can also consume pre-cut fruits and steamed vegetables. Rice and pasta can be your source of carbohydrates. You can consume meat; however, make sure they are not fibrous. Think of steamed fish and chicken, which are cut into pieces. Never eat directly from the meat, as it forces your teeth and braces. Always use a knife and fork when consuming food so you can easily cut them down into bits.
Even when these foods seem gentle and light, they still contain the right amount of nutrition you need.
What can’t you eat with braces?
One of the biggest adjustments you will face is the limitations in the food you eat. When you are used to eating crunchy chips and sugary products before having braces, you should start changing your food options as soon as possible.
Here’s a list of what not to eat with ceramic braces:
Hard foods
Avoid eating hard food that is difficult to bite, chew, and swallow. Toasted bread, nuts, ice cube, and popcorn are some of the things that require extra force for your braces. Aside from the discomfort of consuming hard food, it increases the risk of your braces getting removed.
Raw and whole fruits and vegetables
When you bite raw fruits and vegetables directly, it also entails strength that may cause a sudden removal of your braces. You can cut them fruits such as apples, pears, and carrots into pieces first before you bite them. Another option is to cook your vegetables so they will become easier to chew.
Sticky foods
Wearing braces also means you may need to reduce your sticky food intake. Gums, candies, toffee, and caramels stick to the surface of your device, making it harder for you to remove and clean.
Sugar
Sweets belong to the list of what you cannot eat with braces. Do away with sugary food options such as chocolate, candies, cakes, and cookies. Sugar brings cavities that may be harder to eliminate if you wear orthodontics.
Hard and fibrous meat and fish
In addition to meat and fish as difficult to chew, their remnants are usually stuck between teeth. It is more challenging to remove them if you have braces.
Non-edible products
If you keep on biting non-edible products such as the tip of your pen or you like using your teeth to remove a container’s cap, then it’s time to let go of these habits for good. These are bad for your teeth and can also be a cause of damage to your device.
What to keep avoiding while you have braces
As long as you have braces, you must remember that the food you consume will significantly affect the device. Your braces are sensitive to hard food, which can damage your device if you keep consuming them.
The foods to avoid with braces are the following:
- Nuts
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Pizza crust
- Bagels
- Hard fruits and vegetables
- Chips and crackers
- Hard cookies
Moreover, avoid food that can easily stain your braces, especially if you wear clear ones. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea may stain your braces, making them discolored and unappealing.
Foods to avoid with braces in case of suffering from mouth ulcers and irritations
Donning a set of braces can bring minimal discomfort, especially when wearing the device. But the pain can become even worse if you are experiencing mouth problems such as mouth ulcers and other irritation around your mouth.
The food you consume may further trigger the pain.
The following are what can’t you eat with braces if you have the condition:
- Citrus foods. Acid can irritate your mouth ulcer and activate discomfort. Avoid citrus food such as lemon, pineapple, orange, and mandarin.
- Spicy foods. Any food with a spicy flavor can trigger inflammation around your mouth, increasing the pain that comes with your condition.
What to eat during the first week of having braces?
When you wear your braces for the first time, your mouth must adjust slowly to the device. While you may feel a little discomfort, it does not mean you should avoid eating until you completely get used to it.
All you need is to consume food that is soft and gentle. Generally, food that is not difficult to bite and chew is good for you.
Here are some of the foods to eat with braces:
- Soups
- Purees
- Broths
- Yogurts
- Boiled eggs
- Ripe and pre-cut fruits
- Mashed fruits and vegetables
- Steamed fish
How to eat with braces?
When you have your braces, you should now be mindful of what you eat. Remember, anything you bite and chew can affect your device and the level of comfort in your mouth. It is highly recommended to cook and prepare your food. You will know that they are clean and prepared in such a way that they are easy to consume.
Your diet should include any of the following:
- Soft fruits
- Meat that is not fibrous such as fish
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Pasta
- Steamed rice
- Soft bread
- Soups
Maintain healthy teeth with preventive dental services
Are you looking for ways to prevent dental problems while having braces? Are you experiencing unbearable pain and discomfort while wearing your device? Are you dealing with mouth diseases that won’t seem to go away?
Brownstone Dental can give you the best dental services to ease the pain. Our dentists are available to look into your condition, make necessary adjustments to your braces, and give you the best treatment so you can still use your device effectively.
Let Brownstone Dental take care of your teeth and overall oral health with our comprehensive dental services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
