Foods to Avoid With Braces

Getting braces can bring quite a change to your lifestyle. While you know you’ll be happy with the results, the initial changes are sometimes difficult to get used to. Braces will probably feel quite strange in your mouth when you first get them. This is to be expected. The discomfort will ease as you begin to adjust to them.

There are some things you can do to make this initial process easier. It’s also important to understand that there are some lifestyle changes you will have to undergo for the entire time you wear your braces.

In particular, your diet will need to change to avoid broken brackets or injury to your teeth.

When You First Get Your Braces

There are extra considerations to keep in mind when you first get your braces. Along with the sensitivity, you will have to get used to the way it feels to eat food with braces on your teeth. You’ll need to eat a bit slower and be mindful of the ways in which you chew.

You’ll also want to stick with a diet of soft foods for the first days while your mouth is sensitive. There are a variety of healthy options available, such as smoothies, scrambled eggs, soft cheeses, mashed potatoes, soup or yogurt.

Foods to Avoid

Whether you have traditional metal or ceramic braces, there are certain kinds of food you will always want to avoid.

Foods that are sticky or that can get caught between brackets are no-nos. Chewy and sticky candy, granola bars or gummy snacks can easily get stuck.

Chewing gum is obviously out, as well. Not even the sugarless kind is acceptable. Anything that might jar your appliances loose is something that you should not eat.

Special Considerations

Ceramic braces are usually clear or tooth-colored, making them prone to stains. The whole purpose of choosing these types of aligners is to avoid drawing attention. Consuming foods and beverages that stain is counterproductive.

To maintain clean and shiny braces, avoid dark beverages like soda, tea, and coffee. Tomato-based foods, yellow mustard or curry and things with food coloring or lots of artificial colors should also be on your list of what not to put in your mouth.

Making the decision to avoid certain foods while wearing braces will pay off in the end. With locations in Destin and Panama City Beach, the office of Dr. Scott Runnels is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing which type is right for you to providing education on foods to avoid.