Life with Braces
LIFE WITH BRACES:
Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is a project that requires careful attention, a diligent commitment and yes, even some lifestyle adjustments.
FOODS TO AVOID:
Although patients are able to eat or drink many foods while in orthodontic treatment, there are certain foods that can damage orthodontic appliances and braces. Eating the wrong foods can bend and distort wires, causing treatment delays and extra visits for repairs.
- In general, hard, brittle, crunchy and sticky foods should NOT be eaten during orthodontic treatment. Hard crunchy foods can bend or break the braces and wires, while sticky foods may loosen them.
- Certain foods may be eaten if they are prepared in a special way. Whole fruits and vegetables or any raw foods such as apples, celery and carrots should be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard Crusty Breads should be broken and eaten in small pieces. Corn may be eaten if sliced off the cob.
- Do not suck on lemons or limes (citric acid in juice can dissolve tooth enamel) and especially do not suck or chew on ice cubes. Chewing ice cubes can be very destructive to your appliances and teeth.
- Limit foods with a higher sugar content
The best time to eat carbohydrates or other sugary foods is during a meal. The mouth produces more saliva during a meal which, in turn, helps Neutralize acid production and rinse food from the mouth. If possible, brush immediately after eating. If it is not possible to do so, rinsing with clear water will help. - Keep fingernail, pencils and other objects out of your mouth. Do not put anything in your mouth that may tend to bend, break, pry, pull, or knock off the braces.
The following is a list of only some of the foods you should avoid. Consult your starter kit for a more detailed list. You should own your own good judgment while eating anything. No matter what you eat, please remember to clean your teeth and gum tissue thoroughly afterwards, especially before bedtime.
You're braces biggest enemies
Hard Foods:
- Nuts
- Peanut brittle
- Ice Cubes
- Hard candy
- Hard Chips
- Candied apples
- Corn-on-the-cob (Corn off the cob is better)
Sticky Foods:
- Fruit Roll-ups
- Gummy Bears
- Taffy and Caramels
- Starburst
- Bit-O-Honeys
- Skittles
- Milk Duds, etc.
Be careful with these foods:
- Carrots — grate or cut into tiny pieces
- Apples — cut into wedges — don't bite form the whole apple
- Hard French bread — tear into small pieces
Other Orthodontic "No-No's":
- Lip biting
- Pushing your tongue against your teeth
- Chewing on pencils or pens
- Tearing things with your teeth
- Biting your fingernails