What Types of Food Can I Have with Braces?

It’s no secret that as our routines have changed due to COVID-19, our diets have, too. Most of us have probably started to turn toward unhealthy snacks (hey, we’ve done it, too), but it’s still important to remember the basics about maintaining good oral health. 

Our orthodontics office in St. Augustine may have been closed for a little while, but we’re back, and we want to give you some quick tips on everyday things you can do to help keep your mouth extra-healthy while social distancing. 

What Types of Foods Can I Have With Braces? 

Many patients struggle to find foods that were once easy to eat and now aren’t. When you get braces, you feel like you can’t have anything you want, but that’s not the case. Here are some good everyday examples of foods that are good and not-so-good for you and your braces. 

Foods to Eat: 

• Soup
• Eggs
• Mashed potatoes 
• Yogurt
• Pasta 
• Fruits without pits (bananas, grapes, oranges, and strawberries)
• Soft vegetables (peas, potatoes, green beans, and spinach)
• Light crackers 
• Cheese
• Oatmeal 
• PB&J
• Smoothies 

Foods to Avoid: 

• Popcorn
• Nuts 
• Ice
• Gum 
• Pretzels 
• Hard cookies or crackers
• Crust, bagels, and hard breads
• Sticky, chewy, or hard candy 
• Foods you have to bite into, like corn on the cob and apples

Soft foods are always going to be your friend. Not only will they be easier for you to eat, but they’ll cause the least amount of pain and soreness in your mouth while you’re straightening your smile. Foods that are generally hard, chewy, and sticky are what you should stay away from while you have braces on. Wires and bands on your braces can easily come loose from eating foods like these, so it’s best to stay clear of them. 

To make eating easier, you can always get creative. Cut corn off the cob, slice fruits and veggies up, or cut things like bread into small, bite-size pieces.

And remember: When you’re eating, don’t bite into hard foods with your front teeth!

Don’t Forget to Brush

None of this matters if you aren’t taking care of your mouth the way you should. Sugary foods can become a nuisance, especially if you’re not maintaining a good brushing schedule. If you don’t clean your teeth, it can lead to plaque buildup, causing bacteria and cavities to occur. Brushing can remove plaque, but it becomes harder to do with braces, so make sure you stick to a good routine. 

Make Sure You Always…

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss every tooth
• Use antibacterial mouthwash
• Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months
• Use a floss threader to remove food particles from between braces and wires

If you don’t brush regularly, you can end up with gum disease and tooth decay, not to mention bad breath (and while we know we’re staying six feet apart right now, you should still keep your breath in check!). Consistent care of your teeth will make sure you don’t end up with problems like these. The more you focus on good oral health, the better and brighter your smile will be.  

A Quick Message From Dr. Henry