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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
Braces: Foods You Can't Eat And Some Potential Substitutes
Sofia Curtis
If you are looking for a straighter, healthier smile, you may be considering getting braces. However, you may be worried about the foods that you won't be able to eat while you are undergoing your orthodontic treatment. While it is true that there are certain foods that are not recommended for you to eat, there are plenty of foods that you can replace them with so that you can still get your fix. Keep reading to learn more.
Chewy Candies
Chewy or gummy candies are a big no-no once you begin your orthodontic treatment. So while caramel candies and marshmallows may have been a go-to in the past, once you get your braces on, you will need to refrain from candies like these as they can get stuck in your brackets, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. However, you can opt for some soft fruits instead. Try to cut them up into smaller pieces, or make a fruit smoothie. Some potential fruits are peeled grapes, peaches, blueberries, and strawberries.
Crunchy Snacks
Many foods that you like to snack on throughout the day are probably crunchy, such as crackers, nuts, pretzels, apples, and popcorn. Unfortunately, these crunchy foods can bend or get stuck in the brackets and wiring. Therefore, it is important to avoid these types of snacks and opt for softer options instead. For instance, some great snack substitutes are boiled peanuts, steamed apples with cinnamon, frozen yogurt, and soft bread with hummus.
Tough Cereals
In the morning, you may enjoy hard, sugary cereals, but these types of cereals can either bend or snap the wires on your brackets and even increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth. If you would like a sweet fix in the morning, opt for a soft croissant with a chocolate spread or a bowl of oatmeal with some jam or honey in it.
Raw Vegetables
When you reach for a healthy snack, you may enjoy choosing raw vegetables. However, while undergoing your orthodontic treatment, raw vegetables aren't a viable option since they present potential issues with your brackets and wiring. However, vegetables aren't off the table—you'll just need to eat them boiled, steamed, or mashed. They will still be nutritious and flavorful, but they will be softer and better for your mouth overall.
If you would like to learn more about the foods you can and cannot eat with braces or orthodontic treatment in general, get in touch with an orthodontist in your area.
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