When you have braces, it is perfectly normal to have hunger pains in between meals that can make you crave a snack. The key is to make sure you are snacking on something that is healthy for your teeth and does not cause harm to your braces. While there are many snack foods that you can choose from when you have braces, you will want to stay away from hard, tough and sticky foods. There are, however, some common healthy snack foods that you can eat every time you need a boost in the middle of the day that will not damage your brackets and wires.
Fruits
Eating certain fruits is a great option when you have braces because many fruits are soft, so they do not run the risk of damaging your braces. It is best to avoid fruits that have a high concentration of seeds, as the seeds could easily get stuck inside your teeth and braces. One example of a good fruit to eat with braces would be an orange.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are also a great snack choice because they are soft and contain a low amount of fat and calories. Hard boiled eggs also help to improve your thyroid function. A higher functioning thyroid gland has been proven to increase your metabolism.
Sweet Treats
When you have braces and are craving something sweet, it is not the best idea to pick up that rock hard candy bar. There are plenty of other great sweet snacks that are better suited for braces. Smoothies and applesauce are a few great ways to get the sugar you are craving without causing any harm to your precious braces.
Dairy
Dairy products are also great for people with braces since they are usually soft in their composition. Cottage cheese is an extremely healthy snack food for people with braces. It is loaded with protein while containing very few calories. Cottage cheese is also a great source of calcium.
You can always add a little extra flavor and more vitamins to your cottage cheese by adding some small pieces of fruit or cinnamon. Yogurt is another great dairy product for people with braces. Many yogurts on the market these days contain healthy amounts of protein and other nutrients, such as potassium and calcium.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
With locations in Destin and Panama City Beach, the orthodontic professionals at Runnels Orthodontics will be happy to answer any questions you may have when it comes to healthy snack foods for people with braces. Eating the right foods during your orthodontic treatment will help to ensure a better outcome and a brighter smile overall. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.
