Ottawa-Gatineau Orthodontists Alliance
Adults Children Orthodontics Treatment

Foods to avoid and enjoy while wearing braces

Posted by Dr. Jennifer Tan, 2018-03-15

Foods to avoid while wearing braces

Modern braces are sturdy and durable and do a great job of standing up to everyday life. That said, it is still important to be careful not to do anything that may damage your braces. Accidents are a common cause of damage but, certain foods can also damage your braces or their components like the rubber bands or wires.

 

Sticky, hard, chewy and crunchy foods are to be avoided.

Generally, we ask our orthodontic patients to avoid all foods that are sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy. Soft foods are strongly recommended for those who wear braces because they are much gentler.  It is important to follow these acceptable food recommendations as damaged braces will lead to patient discomfort and a longer orthodontic treatment time.

 

Foods that don’t go well with braces

It is in your best interest to avoid the following foods:

Foods that are acceptable with the right preparation and careful chewing

Some harder foods can be eaten with a little extra prep and consumption. Cut the foods listed into small pieces and avoid biting into them with your front teeth:

Stay away from sugary and acidic drinks

It is also important to stay away from sugary drinks like pop, sports drinks and fruit juice.  Not only are the drinks high in sugar, but also high in acid, which can lead to tooth decay. This advice applies all the time, not just when you’re wearing braces.

Enjoy healthy foods that also are brace friendly

Eating healthy foods is recommended anytime so including the healthy foods below is both good for your health and your braces.

A healthy diet is good for health and oral health

Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet is important for oral health and overall health. The healthier your body is, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment. A proper diet is proven to provide essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing significant change during orthodontic treatment.

 

Still have questions about braces or orthodontic treatments? Please feel free to contact a member of the Ottawa-Gatineau Orthodontists Alliance! We’re always here to help!

FacebookTwitterEmailShare
More like this

Members of the Ottawa-Gatineau Orthodontists Alliance are members of: