Can You Eat Mango With Braces? Quick Answer

Wondering what foods you can eat while wearing braces? Can you still have pizza? What about chewing gum? Will you only eat soft foods in the next two years? What do you avoid completely with braces? These are all great questions to think about if you’re considering braces in the future!

The good news is that you don’t have to stick to a totally soft diet for the next two years. There are many good foods that you can still have while wearing your braces. Awareness of “good” and “bad” food is very important so that you can take care of your braces throughout your treatment and get the best results.

Why certain foods must be avoided with braces

Your braces may have brackets, bands, and archwires, all of which can be damaged by certain foods. Avoiding very hard or sticky food is a big priority. In addition to avoiding certain foods, proper hygiene is essential to ensure no cavities form around the braces. If food debris is not properly cleaned from teeth and braces, tartar and plaque can build up, which can cause white stains on the surfaces of teeth.

Foods you can’t eat with braces

Crunchy and sticky foods like nuts and gum, and candy like lollipops and candy canes can loosen brackets and wires, which can delay treatment. Foods to avoid with your braces include:

nuts

Potato Chips

Popcorn

Crunchy vegetables

Candies (such as Jolly Ranchers or lollipops)

chewing gum (sugar-free gum is fine)

Sticky candies (like laffy taffy or jelly beans)

corn on the cob

apples

Beef jerky

pizza crust

It’s not just hard foods that can damage the devices in your mouth! Other items and habits to avoid that could damage brackets include:

pen chewing

chewing pencil

Chewing finger nails

toothpick

chew straw

It is important not to chew on hard objects!

Foods you can eat with braces

Now that you know what you can’t have with braces, let’s talk about all the good things you can have! While there are many things to avoid with braces, there are many tasty things to still enjoy. For example, you can still enjoy:

pasta

Mashed potatoes

Boneless meat

soft vegetables

fruit

soups

Dairy products

Soft breads and sandwiches

casseroles

Pizza (without crust)

Even with braces we can enjoy the beautiful things in life! At each visit, Dr. Green and your dental assistant check the braces for damage to the brackets or plaque build-up. All of our patients receive a short course after their braces are fitted to learn how to best care for your appliances to ensure they stay in tip-top shape throughout your treatment. Remembering the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” can have a huge impact on your treatment outcome and will help get that beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of!

It’s summer and a great time to change up the colors of your braces, but which colors should you choose and which colors should you avoid? From colors like red and blue to green, yellow, purple or pink, the options are virtually endless and Sturbridge orthodontists have the colors you desire. There is no official style guide for braces, but these suggestions may help you narrow down your choices:

Choose gold, dark blue, pink, orange, teal, green, or purple to complement darker skin tones.

Choose light blue, bronze, deep purple, or muted reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones.

Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter.

Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow.

Consider colors that complement or complement your eyes.

Think of colors that complement the color of the clothes you wear most often.

Try your school colors or the colors of your favorite sports team.

Go red, white and blue for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

of July. Feel festive during the holidays with red and green for Christmas or blue and pink for Easter.

Glow-in-the-dark ribbons are fun for Halloween.

You should avoid these colors:

Black (may appear like your teeth are rotting or food is stuck in your teeth).

(may appear like your teeth are rotting or food is getting stuck in your teeth). White (can make your teeth appear more yellow and white gums tend to stain more easily).

(can make your teeth appear more yellow and white gums tend to stain more easily). Yellow (tends to enhance the appearance of yellow-tinted teeth).

(tends to increase the appearance of yellow-tinted teeth). Green or brown (can be mistaken for food in your teeth).

Don’t be afraid to ask about different colors of braces at every orthodontic visit. If you are unsure about shade selection, consult a Sturbridge Orthodontist for suggestions and advice. Call to schedule an appointment today for more information on how to jazz up your braces.

The biggest fear most teenagers seem to have when they’re told they need braces is the thought of having to live on mashed potatoes for years. Let’s dispel this myth right now and explore the foods that can be eaten with braces on. With braces comes the responsibility of maintaining the hardware, which unfortunately means a slightly different diet.

Why it’s important to eat the right foods

Traditional braces are a series of brackets and wires used to straighten the alignment of your teeth. They are strong enough to position your teeth correctly, but they are easily damaged. Eating the wrong foods can loosen the wires and ligaments, which can lead to an emergency trip to the orthodontist for repairs.

Foods to avoid include anything sticky, chewy, overly hard, or crunchy. If you are a gum chewer, ask your doctor which gum is safe to chew with braces. Remember that your dietary restrictions are only a temporary inconvenience. The perfect smile after treatment is worth giving up potato chips for a moment.

Food with braces

Instead of talking about what you can’t eat, let’s focus on what you can eat. With that in mind, let’s discuss some food types and how to assess them for their “harm potential.”

side dishes, sandwiches and soups

Almost everything in this category can be eaten with braces. Some cheeses are incredibly hard, so of course you should avoid those. Soups are probably all in the good to eat category too.

Bread and grain will be a mixture. Most flour-based products such as tortillas, pancakes, donuts, muffins (no nuts), and pasta are fine. Avoid hard breads like bagels, crusty rolls, and thin pizza crusts. For pizza, stick to the pan style with softer crusts and avoid hard toppings like bacon.

Meat, seafood and spaghetti

Most seafood is on the okay-to-eat list. Most cooked chicken is tender and delicate. However, avoid the turkey leg straight off the bone as it may be a little tricky for your hardware.

Common sense should be used when it comes to steak and pork. Tender cuts like roast beef or pulled pork are fine. Hamburgers (skip the crispy bacon), meatballs, lasagna, and ground beef are all good. Lunchmeats are all good but be careful with hard salami and pepperoni.

fruits, vegetables and snacks

Soft fruits are in. Hard fruits are out. Fruit cocktail, diced peaches, mixed fruit, applesauce, and the like are all good. Raw vegetables are usually not good because they are too hard, but boiling or steaming vegetables is definitely on the menu. And of course, the aforementioned mashed potatoes are always a great choice.

Snacks are another area of ​​common sense. You should avoid anything crunchy or hard, such as nuts, potato chips, or popcorn. Opt for Cheetos or Pirate Booty instead. Soft cookies (no nuts) are good, but avoid hard cookies like Oreos and Chips Ahoy unless you’re a dairy dunker. Ice cream is ok but skip the nuts and candies. Milkshakes are good too, as are jello, custard, and soft cake.

Yeah we said pizza (sort of)

Pizza is a teenager’s staple. It would be heartless and cruel to take that away from him, even temporarily. But use common sense when eating. When it comes to food, keep in mind whether or not it could damage your hardware. If it could damage your braces, it’s best to avoid it.

Contact Centralia Orthodontics with additional questions. Use the contact form to request an appointment or the live chat function on our website in the lower right corner. You can also call our office at (360) 736-0129.

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At the Pacific Northwest Orthodontics Blog, we look at foods and drinks to avoid with braces. Once you start treatment with braces or Invisalign, it may take some time before you learn how to change your diet.

However, it will soon become part of the routine and you can still enjoy recipes you love. Plus, you can occasionally enjoy treats. Keep in mind that this is all temporary and will help you have a better experience.

By choosing foods wisely, you can avoid emergencies and keep your treatment on track. You’ll get the result you’ve always wanted, a beautiful, healthy smile, faster. Then you can reward yourself with all the favorites that you miss during the treatment.

See more about foods you can eat with braces here.

Simple checklist of foods and drinks to avoid with braces

There’s an easy way to determine foods and drinks to avoid with braces.

Think: Soft foods are safer.

Then ask if they fall into one of the following categories. If this is the case, try to avoid the item as it could damage or stain your braces. Hard, tough, sticky objects can get stuck around brackets and loosen them. On the other hand, staining items (we’ll get to that in a moment) can stain rubber bands and give your braces a discolored appearance.

Tough

Crisp

Difficult

coloring

Sticky

Sugary

As for the last category, avoiding too many sugary foods is always a good idea. With braces, it is more important to maintain oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay.

When you wear braces, it can be more difficult to properly clean the wires and brackets. Then a sugary film can feed bacteria that cause tooth decay. So try to limit sugary items, although it’s okay to indulge in the occasional treat and soft dessert.

Notably, some foods are hard until cooked. For example, hard vegetables like carrots are good when cooked in a softer form. Likewise, hard apples can be cut into small pieces or boiled. This way, you can still enjoy these foods with braces.

Also remember that soft foods can have sticky, chewy, crunchy and hard toppings. If this is the case, try to invalidate this as much as possible.

Sugary drinks to avoid with braces

Following, it’s a good idea to limit sugary or acidic drinks like these:

Acidic liquids (including distilled water and some bottled spring water)

energy drinks

water with taste

fruit drinks

Sodas (including diet)

sports drinks

It’s not always possible to be picky about drinking water, and drinking water is usually the healthiest option in general. However, some brands of bottled water may not be as acidic as others. When in doubt, opt to stay hydrated with whatever is available.

Coloring of food and drinks

If you wear braces, you may have elastic bands that tend to stain some foods and drinks. With clear braces, they tend to resist stains. However, it is always a good choice to limit these items. Then brush, floss and rinse if you stain food and drink.

balsamic vinegar

Beer

beets

Berry

Coffee

currants

curry

food coloring

grape juice

Mustard

red wine

soy sauce

tea

tomatoes

Remarkably, this is not a complete list. So if an item is likely to soil your clothes, it can also soil your rubber bands. Luckily we will change your rubber bands at your next appointment. Then you can choose new colors if you want. In general, darker colored rubber bands will appear less discolored than clear or lighter shades.

Foods to limit right after braces

In the days after you get your braces, your mouth will be more sensitive for a while. Therefore, you should avoid the following foods until you get used to them (usually a few weeks).

citrus fruits and spicy foods

Thick bread and pieces of meat

Ice (if sensitive to cold)

limit ice cream? Well, not everyone is sensitive to the cold. Some people like ice cream to reduce swelling after getting braces.

We hope this information on foods and drinks to avoid with braces is helpful. While it sounds like a lot to remember, ask yourself if an item is hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy. If you then suspect it might damage your braces, try choosing something softer instead.

Don’t forget: soon your discipline and hard work will be rewarded with a beautiful smile that you can show for a lifetime.

Learn more about living with braces here.

Have questions? Call us at (253) 472-7788.

Since 1994, we are proud to have provided outstanding orthodontic care to patients of all ages, including children, teens and adults in Tacoma, Parkland, Lakewood, Ficrest, University Place, Puyallup, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the greater Pierce County.

Can you eat pizza with braces? This is a question we often hear from parents of tweens and teens, as well as adults getting braces in old age. Pizza is one of America’s favorite foods, and it’s one with many great memories associated with it. Watch the Big Game with friends, gather around the dining table with family and even indulge in the occasional leftover piece for breakfast in the morning. Some of our best pastimes are with pizza, and we would hate to be without it or keep our kids away from one of the greatest foods of all time.

However, proper dental hygiene is important, and if you have braces, it’s even more important. Eating the wrong foods or not taking care of the metal in your mouth can have costly consequences. It’s possible to damage your braces, and eating unsafe foods can even cause tooth decay. This can lead to emergencies at the orthodontist or you may have to wear your braces longer than originally expected, which nobody wants. Because of this, it’s best to eat foods that you know are safe and unlikely to cause harm. In addition, it is important to take proper care of your braces and teeth to prevent further dental problems. Can you eat pizza with braces?

Fortunately, the answer is yes, you can. However, there are some important rules, tips and tricks you should follow to ensure you avoid urgent office visits and enjoy your meal.

Risks of eating pizza with braces

First, it’s important to investigate why certain foods pose a danger to people with braces and why it’s important to avoid those foods. There are several elements of the pizza to consider, including the crust, cheese, and any toppings you might want to add. Each of these factors can affect your braces differently.

Braces make it easier for food to get stuck between the metal and your teeth, which can increase the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay. Certain foods and toppings are more likely to stick than others. Take pineapple, for example, a delicate fruit that is easy to pull apart. In addition, the high sugar content in pineapple increases the likelihood that your teeth will erode if they get stuck.

The type of crust also makes a difference when asking, “Can you eat pizza with braces?” Thin crusts can be more difficult as they are tougher and tougher. This can make chewing with braces difficult and increase the risk of damaging the metal.

Finally, while we know everyone’s favorite part of a pizza is the gooey, tasty cheese, this is another part of the cake that’s likely to get caught in the metal wires you have in your mouth. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to avoid the texture of melted cheese when you have braces, but taking small bites and thoroughly cleaning your teeth after eating is the best way.

Tips for eating pizza with braces

If you’ve had or have braces, you know that deciding what to eat can be difficult. But giving up your favorite food, like Hungry Howie’s® Pizza, can be even harder. That’s why we’re here to share our top tips for enjoying pizza with braces.

Tips for eating pizza with braces include:

Opt for toppings that are small and soft. Vegetables are usually a safe bet. Avoid coverings that are too tough, e.g. B. overcooked peppers. Also, avoid toppings that can be soft and stringy, like pineapple.

Go for thicker crust pizza. Avoid thin, crispy crusts.

Use a fork and knife to cut your pizza and eat it in small pieces. This makes it easier to ensure you can chew the pizza with your braces and avoid getting food stuck between your front teeth.

Always floss immediately after eating pizza with braces on.

Avoid anything sticky on the pizza. Most people think cheese is gooey, but it’s not as gooey as, say, caramel. The cheese on the pizza is unlikely to stick to your teeth or braces if you clean them properly after eating.

Order Hungry Howie’s® for takeout or delivery

So what’s the final verdict? Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes! You certainly can, as long as you avoid crusts and toppings that are too chewy and hard, sticky or stringy, and eat in small, careful bites. Of course, cleaning your teeth and metal wires after eating is also essential for optimal dental health.

Getting hungry for a Hungry Howie’s® pizza? We can’t say we blame you. Tonight, order your favorite cake or meal for takeaway or delivery. Call us and place your order over the phone or use our online ordering platform and use the HowieTrack® feature to see where your pizza is every step of the way.

Making life with braces easy for Bethel Park patients

There’s no escaping it – braces will have an impact on your lifestyle. However, with a little effort, you can minimize the impact on your life and get the most out of your smile investment. The following sections are designed to provide you with some basic information on fitting your new orthodontic appliances, proper care and protection from damage. As always, feel free to contact Cartwright Orthodontics with any questions!

Eating with braces

Everyone at Cartwright Orthodontics wants your smile to be amazing when your braces are removed. All it takes is a little care and knowing what to avoid and you can have that great smile!

You need to limit or even avoid certain foods. You can avoid problems while wearing your braces by cutting back on sugar and sodas! If you eat or drink something with a lot of sugar, rinse your mouth out with water or better yet, brush after eating or drinking. Sugar causes plaque to grow quickly, which can lead to swollen gums, decalcification, and tooth decay. Decalcification is the plaque that damages or eats away the enamel. When your braces are removed your teeth can become discolored and unfortunately this is permanent.

Next, avoid eating foods that are sticky or chewy like gum, caramel, toffee, tootsie buns, jelly beans, and other similar sweets. They can pull brackets off teeth and bend wires. Avoid very hard foods like ice cream, jolly ranchers and lollipops – they ruin everything!

Hard breads like bagels, chewy pizza crusts, tortilla chips, hard taco shells, thick pretzels, and cauldron-cooked potato chips can all wreak havoc on your devices. Also, please do not eat popcorn, nuts and seeds as the pieces may get stuck in your devices or break them.

Hard fruits and vegetables should be cut into bite-sized pieces so you don’t just rip them in with your incisors – let your molars do the work for a while. But please continue to eat your fruits and vegetables! Remember, take small bites.

You can still eat things like ice cream, brownies, cookies, cakes, french fries, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza (just avoid the crust), no problem.

Below is a list of foods to avoid and foods you can eat. If you are careful and practice good oral hygiene, you will Cartwright estimated time to achieve a great smile.

Foods to avoid:

Instead of: hard pretzels

Hard Taco Shells

Doritos, Cheetos, Fritos

Popcorn

carrot sticks

apples, pears or peaches

Hard buns, bagels or crust

Ribs, chicken wings or drumsticks

Corn on the cob Try: soft pretzels or thin pretzel sticks

Soft tacos or burritos

Cheese puffs, cheese balls or potato chips

Caseless popcorn

Carrot curls or thin sticks

Cut fruit into pieces

Cut or break bread into small pieces

Detach meat from bone

Corn from the cob

Foods you should never eat

One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Can I eat after getting braces?” The answer is yes! But you need to make a few small changes to your fridge.

During the first week of treatment, your teeth and gums may feel a little sore as they adjust to the pressure of your brackets and wires. Choose softer, colder foods this week. Our wires are also temperature sensitive, and eating colder foods helps the wires become more flexible and helps your teeth feel less sore… pretty cool!

We’re here to help you transition to your new braces diet with five simple tips to ensure a smooth treatment process with minimal discomfort.

Eating with braces

We want you to enjoy your new braces treatment and maximize your end results – and that means taking care of your braces so you don’t end up with broken brackets and messy wires! Follow these helpful tips to ride the wave of confidence with us throughout your treatment.

1. Soft foods. Your teeth and gums can be sore for the first week with braces, so stocking your fridge with soft foods is a good idea. Deciding on a gentler diet is the first step in relieving pain as you adjust to the gentle pressure of your new treatment. Also, your orthodontist will adjust your braces every 8 to 10 weeks to keep your smile transformation on track. After these fitting appointments, you may notice some minor pain! Here are some soft, tasty food ideas for a tender mouth:

Scrambled eggs – try adding some avocado, salt and pepper!

Healthy smoothies – add your favorite fruits!

Soft Fruits – Avoid apples and other hard foods during your treatment (It’s easier to cut these fruits into bite-sized pieces

instead of biting them. Biting into whole fruit can break brackets and make your teeth sore!)

Soft Bread – soft buns and delicious pastries (Avoid hard crusts!)

Dairy products – yogurt, milk and cottage cheese

2. Avoid sticky candy. As tempting as candy can be, it’s important to avoid candy that’s hard, gooey, or chewy, as they can damage your braces by loosening a bracket or dislodging a wire. However, not all sweets are off the table! Here are some ideas for sweet treats that you can choose as an alternative – as long as you brush and floss your teeth afterwards.

jello

soft chocolate

Ice cream, sherbert or sorbet

3. Fast food to eat with braces. We know you have a busy schedule and sometimes need to eat on the go. There are some fast foods that you can eat with braces. (Remember, you shouldn’t eat hard foods during your treatment. Crunchy foods can damage your braces and may require an emergency visit to our office!) Here are some soft fast food ideas to eat with braces:

Pizza – avoid the crust

Brownies – no nuts

Chicken nuggets – cut these into chunks to avoid damaging your braces!

Soft tacos with all the trimmings – avoid hard shells!

4. Chew carefully. It can take a few days to adjust to your braces treatment, so we encourage you to take your time and be patient with yourself! Choosing a softer diet allows you to chew comfortably without damaging your braces or irritating your gums. After the first week, as you become more comfortable with your braces and adjusted to your changing bite, you will have more food choices!

5. Saltwater. It is normal for patients to experience some pain for a few days after getting their new braces. If your mouth is sore, we recommend gargling with a warm salt water solution! Mix one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and swish it around in your mouth. (You can also take Tylenol or an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve the pain.)

We want you to smile from ear to ear during and after your orthodontic treatment! At your free initial consultation, our exceptional doctors (Dr Caudill and Dr McNeight) will tell you everything you need to know about your treatment! We give you tips and advice on what to expect in your first week with braces and what to expect during the rest of your treatment.

If you prefer orthodontic treatment that doesn’t require a change in diet, consider Invisalign®! The clear Invisalign aligners can be removed at mealtime, so you don’t have any dietary restrictions. We’re proud to be the only Invisalign Diamond Plus provider in Brevard County! This means we offer Invisalign for the same price as braces and can treat complex cases that other orthodontists may not be able to!

At Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatments for all ages using only the most advanced treatments and technologies. We approach each patient individually. When you begin treatment with us, you can rest assured that you are in the best of hands.

If you’re ready to take the next step, request your free exam from us today! Catch a wave of confidence with us in Melbourne, Merritt Island or Viera.

pain and management

Congratulations? You have braces!! Everything feels weird, rough, sharp, and uncomfortable, but that feeling will go away over the next week or two as you adjust to the braces.

Even if the wires we used to move your teeth are very fine and hardly put any pressure on your teeth, you will still get a toothache in the next few days. Generally, the pain starts 2-3 hours after the braces are put in and gets worse in the first 24 hours. So, tonight and tomorrow will probably be the worst, then it should start to calm down over the next week or so.

If you haven’t already taken a pain reliever, take some when you get home. Nurofen is generally the most effective. However, if for some reason you are unable to take Nurofen, Panadol works well most of the time.

loosening of the teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. It’s normal, so don’t fret. The teeth are firmly fixed in their new position. Teeth must first loosen before they can be moved.

food and food

food and food

For the first week or two, you will most likely eat very soft foods: soup, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, scrambled eggs, etc.

While you’re on soft foods, you don’t have to worry too much about what you’re eating. You just have to focus on keeping your teeth nice and clean.

As you begin to chew more comfortably with your braces on and transition to a more “normal” diet, you need to start paying close attention to what you eat.

In general, from now until the braces are removed, all food must be cut very finely.

Meat – No tough cuts of meat. Meat must be cut finer than usual. No tearing of meat from chops, drumsticks or the like. No crackling with roast pork (sorry!!!)

Crusts – No crusts, especially on toast, crusty bread (French fritters, Italian bread, etc.) and no hard crusts on pizzas.

Vegetables – Hard vegetables like carrots and broccoli should ideally be cooked until soft. If you prefer them a bit crunchy or raw, they need to be shredded or julienned. Crunchy fruits like apples and pears should be cut into thin pieces. Stone fruit should be cut in half and the stone removed.

Cookies – Cookies should be crushed with your fingers before putting them in your mouth. If you break biscuits with your teeth, there is a chance that the biscuit will catch a clip on its edge and tear it off. Hard biscuits should be avoided, e.g. Ginger biscuits, butternut schnapps, vitaweats, etc. Thin or crumbly biscuits such as shapes, saladas, cream biscuits, shortbread, rice crackers, etc. should be safe to eat, but break them up first.

As a general rule, do not use your teeth to break or tear up any food. Even a sandwich should be pulled apart and eaten on the molars. This is especially important for buns, hamburgers, subway, etc.

Lollies – The most common cause of problems with braces are lollipops. Sugar-free gum is fine, and you can have very soft chocolate once or twice a week. Don’t eat chocolate out of the fridge, it’s too hard and don’t eat it more than a few times a week because it’s a very sticky sugar.

Icy Poles – You cannot bite into icy poles or anything hard. These are full of sugar and really should be avoided completely during braces treatment.

You are at a much higher risk of damaging your teeth from sugary foods and drinks once braces are in place, so you need to take precautions. Sometimes the damage can be right on the edge of the bracket and we can’t tell until the brackets come loose. So best not to risk it.

Aside from the occasional soft chocolate and sugar-free chewing gum, almost all other lollipops are forbidden; especially Minties, Mentos, Tic-Tacs, Lolly Pops, Chupa Chups, Toffees, Bonbons, Redskins, Warheads, Fantales, etc. Also avoid most bars; especially granola bars, which are not only sugary but also hard. Some other sticky chew bars like Mars bars, Snickers, Rocky Road, Nut bars, etc. should be avoided

Beverages – Soft drinks and liqueurs should be sugar-free, ie. Nutrition, local or zero. Even then, limit them to no more than a few times a week. Some of the sugar free drinks can be quite acidic, especially the cola. If you have them more than a few times a week, the acid can damage your teeth.

You can drink as much plain water and plain milk as you want, whenever you want, there are no restrictions (but it has to be easy). The commercial dairy drinks like Big M, Breaka, Up-and-Go, Iced Coffee Breaks, Flavored Milk etc. which contain much more sugar are also on the banned list. That means you can enjoy these drinks as a reward occasionally, but not every week. Smoothies are fine if you make them with fresh fruit, milk, maybe a dollop of ice cream or yogurt, but don’t add flavorings or honey, etc. Milo is almost 50% sugar and should be taken no more than once a week. This also applies to other hot drinks such as hot chocolate, quik, etc.

Fruit Juice – Fructose is just as harmful as regular sugar, so even pure juice should only be limited to every other day. Apple is probably the safest because it’s fairly neutral. The more acidic juices, like orange, lemon, pineapple should ideally be limited to once or twice a week.

Drinking all your beverages through a straw can reduce the amount of liquid that gets on the front surfaces of your teeth. We also strongly recommend that you rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after drinking a sugary drink to flush all the sugar from your teeth!

It seems ironic that the tools used to improve your teeth and bite will result in temporary limitations on what you can chew easily, but taking good care of your braces is now important. Damaged braces can mean a longer treatment time. Certain foods can be harsh on braces and even damage the hardware. Eliminating a few common foods can lead to better oral health later.

to avoid foods

In general, anything hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy should be avoided. These include popcorn, nuts, tortilla chips, candy, gum, ice cream, raw vegetables, and chewy meats and snack foods like beef jerky, among others. You can eat some of these foods by chopping them into smaller pieces, making them easier to chew, but popcorn and candy should be avoided until your braces come loose.

Better choice

While some foods should be avoided, there are some that are good choices during the time you are wearing your braces. Caseless popcorn is a good substitute. Yogurt, bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other soft, seedless fruits are good choices. Light crackers or soft cookies are a good occasional treat. Mashed potatoes and other cooked vegetables and pasta dishes add variety to the diet without harming the braces.

Corset-friendly diet

In general, you should avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods while wearing braces. Keep in mind that sugary foods like soda and candy tend to collect in the tiny crevices around your devices and can make brushing your teeth a more tedious task. If you just can’t resist sweets, remember to clean your teeth thoroughly after every meal and snack, and pay extra attention to your flossing routine. Remember that wearing braces is a temporary situation. If you take good care of them for a short time, you’ll have stronger, straighter teeth and you’ll be better able to enjoy all the foods you love for the rest of your life.

Our orthodontist in Laguna Beach CA wants you to have the best possible experience during your orthodontic treatment. We know that when you get new braces you will have several questions, from “How long do I have to wear my braces?”. on “Can I still eat my favorite foods?” One of the most frequently asked questions is: “Can I still eat apples with my braces?”

Our orthodontist has the tips and tricks you need to eat apples and similar foods while wearing braces without damaging your appliances.

Before you bite that apple. . .

We know you love your apples – Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith and more! They are all so delicious and healthy. Did you know that a medium-sized apple contains about 20 percent of your recommended daily amount of fiber? We don’t want you to give up your apples now that you have braces. Apples are a delicious and nutritious treat. You just have to make a few adjustments to how you eat apples and other hard foods like these.

How to eat apples with braces, according to our orthodontist in Laguna Beach CA

It is important not to bite into a whole, fresh apple as this can damage your brackets and wires. However, the good news is that you can eat fresh apples while wearing braces. Just slice your apple. Typically, slicing it into eighths works best because then each slice isn’t too thick. If it’s a really big apple, consider more slices.

Tip: To keep fresh apple slices from turning brown, dip each slice in a mixture of three parts water and one part lemon juice. You can do this in the morning and your apple slices won’t turn brown when you’re ready to eat them for lunch or as an after-school snack.

What about caramel apples?

While absolutely delicious, caramel is not recommended when wearing your braces. The toughness of caramel clings to wires and brackets. It can be difficult to remove even with thorough brushing and can damage your braces. Caramel can even detach a bracket from a tooth. Unfortunately, it’s recommended to avoid caramel until your orthodontic treatment is complete. Unfortunately, this means avoiding caramel apples. Losing a bracket can potentially result in longer treatment times. We want you to get the fastest treatment possible so you can start smiling with confidence as soon as possible.

Other hard foods for cutting

Besides apples, there are some other hard foods that should also be sliced ​​when eating with braces. These include, but are not limited to, carrots, corn on the cob, celery, radishes, and anything with a texture similar to hard fruits or vegetables. For a complete list of foods to avoid or eat with extra caution, contact our orthodontist in Laguna Beach, California.

Your new braces will help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. To keep your braces in their best shape so they can do their job, it’s important to follow all care instructions from your Laguna Beach orthodontist. This is how you get your most beautiful smile quickly!

The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, please contact Kimball Orthodontics with a convenient orthodontic office in Laguna Beach, CA by clicking here or calling 949.363.3350.

Making life with braces easy for Bethel Park patients

There’s no escaping it – braces will have an impact on your lifestyle. However, with a little effort, you can minimize the impact on your life and get the most out of your smile investment. The following sections are designed to provide you with some basic information on fitting your new orthodontic appliances, proper care and protection from damage. As always, feel free to contact Cartwright Orthodontics with any questions!

Eating with braces

Everyone at Cartwright Orthodontics wants your smile to be amazing when your braces are removed. All it takes is a little care and knowing what to avoid and you can have that great smile!

You need to limit or even avoid certain foods. You can avoid problems while wearing your braces by cutting back on sugar and sodas! If you eat or drink something with a lot of sugar, rinse your mouth out with water or better yet, brush after eating or drinking. Sugar causes plaque to grow quickly, which can lead to swollen gums, decalcification, and tooth decay. Decalcification is the plaque that damages or eats away the enamel. When your braces are removed your teeth can become discolored and unfortunately this is permanent.

Next, avoid eating foods that are sticky or chewy like gum, caramel, toffee, tootsie buns, jelly beans, and other similar sweets. They can pull brackets off teeth and bend wires. Avoid very hard foods like ice cream, jolly ranchers and lollipops – they ruin everything!

Hard breads like bagels, chewy pizza crusts, tortilla chips, hard taco shells, thick pretzels, and cauldron-cooked potato chips can all wreak havoc on your devices. Also, please do not eat popcorn, nuts and seeds as the pieces may get stuck in your devices or break them.

Hard fruits and vegetables should be cut into bite-sized pieces so you don’t just rip them in with your incisors – let your molars do the work for a while. But please continue to eat your fruits and vegetables! Remember, take small bites.

You can still eat things like ice cream, brownies, cookies, cakes, french fries, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza (just avoid the crust), no problem.

Below is a list of foods to avoid and foods you can eat. If you are careful and practice good oral hygiene, you will Cartwright estimated time to achieve a great smile.

Foods to avoid:

Instead of: hard pretzels

Hard Taco Shells

Doritos, Cheetos, Fritos

Popcorn

carrot sticks

apples, pears or peaches

Hard buns, bagels or crust

Ribs, chicken wings or drumsticks

Corn on the cob Try: soft pretzels or thin pretzel sticks

Soft tacos or burritos

Cheese puffs, cheese balls or potato chips

Caseless popcorn

Carrot curls or thin sticks

Cut fruit into pieces

Cut or break bread into small pieces

Detach meat from bone

Corn from the cob

Foods you should never eat

Getting braces for the first time can be a roller coaster ride for many children and teenagers. You may be excited about getting braces, but surprised at how different your mouth can feel at first. The initial transition to “getting used” to your brackets and bands can be difficult. One of the most frustrating aspects is often the food. Not only does it feel uncomfortable to bite and chew, but teeth usually hurt for the first few days. To ease your child’s transition into braces and make sure they don’t starve in the process, here are some healthy, yet convenient, foods that won’t induce tears or pout.

Mashed Potatoes – What says comfort food better than mashed potatoes? This is certainly an easy-to-eat meal that’s easy on your braces, too!

Soups/Smoothies – If your mouth is particularly sore, just opt ​​for your favorite soup or smoothie. It’s a great way to absorb nutrients without worrying about toothache. A cold smoothie can even soothe aching teeth and gums.

Fresh Fish – Many parents struggle to find protein options that are easy on new braces. Baked salmon and tilapia make a compelling braces-friendly dining option!

Cooked Vegetables – Sauteed veggies like squash, steamed veggies, and fully cooked carrots are soft and super healthy.

Bananas – As for fruit, after you’ve put on your braces for the first time, you can’t go wrong with a banana. This soft and smooth snack is nutritious and perfect for on-the-go kids.

Beverages – While drinking beverages isn’t uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to educate your child on the beverage options that are best for teeth in braces. Stick to water or milk whenever possible. Fizzy (fizzy) drinks and fruit juices can damage tooth enamel and we want to protect it as best we can when caught in braces.

More helpful tips

You’ll be given a list of foods to avoid altogether during braces, such as candy, popcorn, and nuts. Keep in mind that most of your diet can remain the same, but you may need to cut your meals into smaller bites — especially in the beginning. If you’re new to braces and don’t want to sacrifice your rich taste buds, check out these “braces friendly” recipe ideas on Pinterest!

Do you have further questions about eating with braces? Call Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry today.