Acceptable Snacks for Braces

Braces can have a very positive impact on your appearance. They’re used to correct a variety of cosmetic and functional problems. The only downside of getting braces is reduced snack choices. Once you get braces, you won’t be able to eat all of the same snacks that you’re used to eating.

For example, you’ll have to stop eating granola bars, nuts and popcorn. Some other foods that you won’t be able to eat are raisins, dried fruit and chewy substances. The good news is that there are many other healthy and enjoyable snacks for braces.

What are Acceptable Snacks for Braces?

Although you will lose some food choices when you get braces, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, you can even eat some of the snacks that you might’ve been told not to eat. The important part of the equation is moderation.

To do what they’re designed to do, orthodontic appliances must be properly cared for. If you eat food that ends up breaking a bracket, you’ll have to get it fixed, which requires precious time. By following some basic information about suitable snacks for braces, you can avoid unnecessary trips to our office.

Popular Snacks

Some of the top snacks that won’t damage braces are mashed potatoes and smoothies. Since they’re very cold, smoothies are perfect for those days when your mouth is sore. The cold can help to numb the soreness and leave you feeling much more comfortable.

Mashed potatoes are great because they tend to be very soft, so you can eat them without worrying about causing damage to your braces. A few other great foods to consider are fresh fish and bananas. Some tasty types of fish to try are tilapia and salmon. It’s best to eat fish that has been baked.

You’ll want to stay away from raw vegetables because they can damage brackets. Vegetables should always represent a decent portion of your diet, but you’ll need to make sure that they’ve been cooked adequately.

You can reduce the hardness of your favorite veggies by steaming them. Pancakes are considered healthy snacks for braces because they’re very soft. You can even eat most types of pasta, but you need to make sure that they’re cut into smaller portions because noodles can get stuck.

Hummus and salsa are some other acceptable foods. However, you’ll want to make sure that the salsa isn’t chunky. Soft types of bread and grits are good choices.

What About Crunchy Snacks?

If you must eat crunchy foods, you should only eat them in moderation. If you have braces, you can still enjoy many types of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat.

Grains are important because they deliver iron, fiber and important nutrients. A good amount of dairy offers vitamin D, potassium and calcium. Meat is a strong source of protein, but you’ll want to stay away from stringy and tough cuts of meat.

Learn More During Your Orthodontic Appointment

The above options are just some of the acceptable snacks for braces, and they’ll help you to enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet. During your appointment at Runnels Orthodontics, with offices in Destin and Panama City Beach, you can learn more about what you can and cannot eat during your orthodontic treatment. We proudly serve the following areas: Panama City, Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Freeport, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. Contact us today to schedule your orthodontic appointment.