A healthy diet is an important part of maintaining good oral health, but it is especially important for people undergoing orthodontic treatment such as braces. If you are wondering what the best foods to eat are while wearing braces, and what you should avoid, this guide will give you some tips.

Why Diet is Important When Wearing Braces

Braces help to straighten teeth, and to do so they must be fixed to the tooth enamel itself. Because braces are in constant contact with teeth, it is important that any foods you eat are cleaned from around the braces. Some types of food are more likely to get stuck on and around braces than others, which not only leaves you vulnerable to tooth decay but could also damage the braces. By following some brace-friendly eating habits, you will minimize the risk of potential decay and damage.

The Best Foods to Eat During Orthodontic Treatment

Soft Foods – To minimize the risks of damaging your braces, it is best to avoid very hard foods. Instead choose softer foods such as cooked vegetables and soft fruits such as bananas and berries. It may be tempting to bite into a crunch apple or carrot, but it could pose a problem for the delicate wires on your braces. You can still enjoy these foods, but it is best to eat them thinly sliced or grated.

Cut Food into Small Pieces – Smaller-sized pieces of food are easier to chew and much gentler on braces. This is especially important for chewy foods, such as meats, or harder foods like raw vegetables.

Avoid Sticky Foods – Foods that are likely to get stuck or cling to braces can cause damage and discomfort. Avoid sticky candies or toffees which not only get caught in braces but are not good for your teeth due to them being high in sugar.

Limit Sugar – It is a well-known fact that sugar is bad for teeth, leading to decay and cavities. When you wear braces, this is even more of a risk due to the contact they have with teeth. While it is perhaps unfair to avoid all sugar, be mindful of your intake and take steps to ensure that you rinse thoroughly and clean after eating.

Water – Drinking water regularly will help clean any food particles away from your braces and teeth. Water is the best drink because it does not contain any sugars which may stick to your braces and be in contact with your teeth without you realizing it. Drinking water will also help you to avoid a dry mouth, keeping your overall oral health in good condition.

Other Tips on Eating with Braces

When wearing braces, it is important to clean them of any food particles after every meal (if possible). Try to avoid excessive snacking between meals, as this will prolong the contact of food on your braces and teeth.

Always keep up with your oral hygiene routine, including regular flossing to remove food from around the braces. You should also make sure to keep up with dental appointments, as your dentist will be able to give you expert advice on cleaning around braces and spot any potential issues before they arise.

Further Advice on Braces

If you need advice on how to look after your braces and keep your teeth in good condition during your orthodontic treatment, our orthodontists in Winnipeg are here to help. Get in touch with us today.