Foods to Avoid with Braces

Despite the fact that braces have gotten more durable over time, it is still necessary to exercise caution in order to avoid damaging them. If you are getting orthodontic treatment, it is critical that you avoid certain foods that might increase your chance of developing cavities or causing damage to your braces.

Sugary and starchy foods contribute to the formation of plaque acid, which can lead to tooth decay and the progression of gum disease. Sticky and chewy sweets, such as caramel, fudge, and toffee, can damage wires and loosen brackets.

What food should someone who is wearing braces avoid?

In general, people who wear braces should avoid all sticky, firm, or chewy foods because they may damage their braces or reduce the effectiveness of their braces' impact. To name a few foods to avoid while wearing braces:

What food can someone who is wearing braces eat?

Foods that are soft are normally the most recommended for those who wear braces since they are less harsh on the hardware. Foods that you can consume while wearing braces include the following, to name a couple of examples:

Wearers of braces should also avoid biting into hard meals with their front teeth when they are wearing braces. When it is feasible, chop up the following hard meals into smaller pieces to make them more manageable:

Straightening your teeth with braces can take years, and any damage to the braces' wires or brackets can extend the length of your therapy. Make sure you eat foods that are safe to eat while wearing braces and that you take proper dental care.

How can I keep my braces clean?

To begin, remove any elastics, bands, or removable orthodontic components from your mouth and secure them in an out-of-the-mouth area. After that, fill a cup halfway with water and rinse your mouth with it. By swishing a tiny quantity of water around the inside of your mouth, you can dislodge food particles and other foreign objects.

When brushing your braces, remember the 45-degree rule. Brush the bottom teeth slightly upward to allow access to the bracket groove, and the top teeth slightly downward to allow access to the bracket groove as well. The majority of the time, food will become trapped on the sides of your braces and in between your cheek and teeth. Develop the habit of brushing your teeth with a toothpick or flossing after meals. Brushing should be easier now.

When wearing braces, flossing is still feasible. To get behind the wire, though, you should use dental floss with hard points or flossing lassos. Additionally, you may want a toothbrush with stiffer bristles to avoid getting your brushes stuck in or damaged by your brackets.

To learn more about orthodontic treatment with braces, contact our Grande Prairie dental team.