At Gentle Touch Orthodontics, we know how exciting it is starting your journey towards your dream smile, however adjusting your eating habits is essential to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly and your braces stay picture perfect. In order to help, here are Dr Balya’s top tips to for starting your braces journey.
Foods to Enjoy with Braces
Braces don’t mean you have to give up on delicious foods! Here are some options we love when starting Orthodontics:
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Bananas, watermelon and berries are gentle on your braces and easy to chew. Steamed carrots, zucchini, and mashed potatoes provide essential nutrients without straining your teeth.
- Dairy Products
Creamy and smooth, yogurts and cheeses is perfect for a healthy snack or can be implemented into your breakfast.
- Protein-Rich Foods
Scrambled or boiled, eggs are a versatile and easy-to-eat protein source. Shredded chicken can be braces-friendly and added to a variety of different foods for an extra kick of protein to keep you full. Salmon and tuna are also an excellent soft options and packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Grains and Carbs
Pasta and rice are much loved and incredibly versatile, they are both filling and easy to chew. Opting for soft bread without a crusty exterior can be great for making sandwiches or on the side of a meal. Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast option that will start your day off in the right foot.
- Treats and Snacks
Blend your favourite fruits with yogurt or milk for a braces-friendly smoothie is an excellent after school treat. Puddings, ice cream, and jelly are also safe indulgences but best to eat in moderation.
Foods to avoid with braces throughout treatment
Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning more difficult. Avoid these to prevent setbacks in your treatment:
- Hard and Crunchy Foods
Popcorn is a sneaky bracket breaker! The kernels can get stuck in your braces and are often unexpected when biting into them. Nuts are hard and crunchy, they can break wires and brackets. Hard lollies much be yummy but they too pose a risk of damaging your braces. Raw vegetables can also be quite tricky, its best to cut them into small manageable pieces or even better to cook them!
- Sweet, Sticky and Chewy Foods
Chewing gum can stick to your braces and wires and pull things off, best to avoid these all together. Caramel and toffee are best to be left out of your diet they can pull brackets off your teeth. Dr Balya recommends limiting soft drinks, lollies, and sugary snacks, as they can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay around your braces.
Dr Balya’s Top Tips for Eating with Braces
- Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces: This makes it easier to chew and reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
- Chew Slowly: Take your time to avoid biting down too hard.
- Use the Back Teeth: Focus on chewing with your molars to protect the brackets on your front teeth.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water during and after meals helps rinse away food particles.
Caring for Your Braces
In addition to choosing the right foods, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Brush and floss twice a day to keep your teeth and braces clean. At Gentle Touch Orthodontics, we recommend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Over the course of your treatment with Gentle Touch Orthodontics, making small adjustments to your diet can make a massive difference to the success of your treatment, avoiding foods that can harm your braces and enjoying a variety of soft, nutritious options, you’ll keep your orthodontic journey on track and your smile healthy.
Have questions or need more advice? Contact Gentle Touch Orthodontics today. We’re here to support you every step of the way toward your new smile!
