Orthodontic treatment is an important part of many people’s oral health journey. As part of the treatment process, it is important to be mindful of the types of food that you eat.
This article will discuss the foods that should be avoided while undergoing orthodontic treatment in order to ensure the best possible results.
We hope that by providing this information, we can help others on their oral health journey.
Hard Candies and Lollipops
Hard candies and lollipops, sugary and chewy foods, bubble gum, chewy candy, and dark chocolate should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. These foods can stick to braces on teeth, increasing the chances of tooth erosion and potential damage to the appliance. Fizzy drinks and other types of soft drinks should also be avoided. Eating the wrong foods can contribute to tooth decay, and excessive chewing can cause damage. Additionally, citrus fruit, bread varieties, and cuts of meats should be avoided as these can cause the braces to malfunction. It is important to be mindful of the foods one eats during orthodontic treatment to avoid potential damage.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Although sticky and chewy foods can be delicious, they should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Eating sticky and chewy foods can cause damage to braces, leading to longer treatment times.
As an alternative, crunchy foods with softer textures, such as soft cheeses, soft fruits, and a balanced diet of other soft foods should be eaten. A list of these foods can be found online and includes items such as pizza crusts, soft tortillas, and softer meats.
It’s still possible to enjoy your favourite foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment, as long as you avoid the stickier varieties. By replacing sticky and chewy foods with alternatives, you can help to ensure that your treatment time is shorter.
Crunchy and Hard Foods
Although crunchy and hard foods can be enjoyable, they should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Eating these types of food can lead to oral health issues, food debris, and damage to braces.
Hard foods, such as ice cubes, hot potato chips, raw vegetables, and cottage cheese, can cause additional pressure on traditional braces and brackets. Sugary and acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and caramel candies, should also be avoided due to their high sugar content.
Instead, opt for healthier foods like softer chocolates, bite-sized pieces of cooked meat, mashed potatoes, and crunchy fruits. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid popcorn kernels, crusty bread, tough meats, corn chips, and fruit juice.
At our dental practice, our friendly staff is here to help individuals make the best choices for their orthodontic treatment and to protect their oral health from gum disease. While crunchy and hard foods should be avoided on a regular basis, it is still ok to have them as an occasional treat.
Intensely Sour Foods
Although intensely sour foods can be a tempting treat, they should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Intensely sour foods are often acidic and can damage the enamel of the teeth, which can be a particular problem when someone is wearing braces. Eating too many of these foods can also lead to excessive snacking, which is not ideal during braces treatment.
Instead, it is best to eat more ideal foods such as cooked vegetables and milk-based drinks, and to avoid sticky and hard foods that can be challenging to remove from the teeth and brackets. To maintain good dental hygiene and maximize the treatment process, it is best to avoid intensely sour foods and opt for more milk chocolate varieties instead.
Eating the right foods with braces will help to ensure that the patient has straight teeth at the end of their treatment.
Sugary Drinks
Despite their sweetness, sugary drinks should be avoided during orthodontic treatment. This includes energy drinks, sports drinks, and any other drinks that contain a high amount of sugar. You should also be careful with cold drinks, such as soda and flavored water, and should avoid these as much as possible. Instead, opt for safe foods such as a piece of sourdough bread, soft bread, or lunch meats.
If you have braces, you should take special care to avoid sugary drinks and other food items that could damage them. The content of chocolate, for example, should always be avoided. A better alternative would be to have cold food, like a salad or fresh fruit, instead.
Popcorn and Nuts
Avoiding popcorn and nuts during orthodontic treatment is essential for protecting the braces. Plenty of foods can still be enjoyed during life with braces, such as soft cake, loaves of bread, pre-cut pieces of pizza, and dairy products. Taking extra care with sharp edges, such as muesli bars, muffins without nuts, and non-food items, is also important.
A nutritious diet is a safe option for maintaining an oral hygiene routine during this period of time. Braces-friendly soft foods are the best option, including the above-mentioned foods, as well as antioxidant-rich foods and ready food. Those with aligner or braces options should also avoid candy with braces, sticky candy, chewy candy bars, cold chocolate, and chewy breads.
To make the cheapest and most crunchy options, opt for small, bite-size pieces of corn and pre-cut pieces of dairy foods. This way, teeth can remain clean and healthy with ceramic braces, lingual braces, and regular drinks with braces and gum with braces.
Key Takeaways
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is important to be mindful of the types of foods consumed. Eating the wrong types of food can damage braces and slow progress, so it is essential to make healthy food choices. Hard candies and lollipops, sticky and chewy foods, crunchy and hard foods, intensely sour foods, sugary drinks, popcorn and nuts should all be avoided. Following these guidelines will ensure that orthodontic treatment is efficient and successful.
At Ashfield Family Dental, we understand how important it is to maintain healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment. With our knowledgeable staff, we provide high-quality orthodontic treatment and care to our patients. We invite you to visit us at our office in Ashfield, NSW, Australia, so you can learn more about how to care for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. We look forward to helping you achieve your smile goals!
