The Braces Diet: What To Eat and What To Avoid With Braces

You might be curious what your diet would look like for the duration of your orthodontic procedure if you have just had braces added to your teeth. Although there are certain dietary limitations associated with braces, the good news is that you will still be able to consume most foods. However, you can expect to make a few changes to your diet, as well as some temporary elimination of foods. Mentioned below are some examples that can and cannot be consumed with braces:

Why do you need to be mindful of what you eat during braces treatment?

Eating wrong foods may cause some pain and also put you at risk of breaking your brackets or wires that will entail an unscheduled visit to your orthodontist and may increase your treatment time.

Besides, if you often eat foods that can either be trapped in your braces or high in sugar, you can create an environment that allows plaque and bacteria to flourish, which can increase the risk for dental problems.

Diet for the first few days after getting braces:

Your braces specialist would mostly recommend consuming only soft foods for the first few days, as you will still have to learn how to chew differently. Your diet can include foods like cooked rice, soft bread, porridge, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, paneer, cheese, soups, eggs, seafood, soft fruits and vegetables, smoothies, desserts, practically anything easy to chew.

Foods to avoid right after getting braces:

Immediately after having braces, some foods may not be suitable, as they can irritate your mouth causing pressure and sensitivity. These foods include ice cream, thick bread, thicker cuts of meat, and spicy or citrus foods. You can resume eating these once you get adjusted to your braces.

Foods to keep avoiding during your braces treatment:

There are also some foods that your dentist may tell you to fully avoid as it may damage your braces. These include sticky and hard foods that can damage wires or bands, or cause a bracket to break from a tooth. Foods to be avoided with braces include popcorn, nuts, pizza crusts, crunchy vegetables and fruits, chewing gum, hard candy, tough meats, etc. 

Also, limit the intake of sugary foods and beverages during your braces treatment. Brushing gets a little tough with braces in your mouth and can increase the risk of tooth decay.

It is important that you follow the advice of your braces specialist on healthy and safe foods during the treatment to avoid any harm to your teeth as well as ensure that your treatment is not prolonged.