What Foods Can I Eat with Metal Braces?
Interested in correcting crooked and/or crowded teeth? It’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams! That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment with our Muskegon dentist. Dr. Bruce Jones will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for metal braces and will also tell you what you can expect during treatment.
Here’s what foods you can eat with metal braces.
What to Eat Immediately After Getting Braces
Traditional metal braces work by exerting constant but gentle pressure on your teeth. As such, it’s normal for your teeth to feel a little sore when . While this discomfort is temporary, it helps to eat soft foods that need minimal chewing.
Soft foods that are gentle on teeth and braces include:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft fruits
- Cooked vegetables
- Pasta
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft cheeses
You won’t have to eat soft foods forever. But when your teeth are feeling sore during the first few days of orthodontic treatment, it helps to have food in the house that’s easy to chew.
In general, you can expect any discomfort associated with dental braces to go away in a few days or up to one week.
What Foods to Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment
Avoid any foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. These types of foods can damage your metal wires and brackets, possibly leading to an .
Foods that can damage your metal braces include:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Gum
- Hard or chewy candy
- Hard breads, like bagels
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Always use your best judgment when determining if food is safe for your metal braces. If a food is difficult to chew, it’s probably not a good idea to eat it during orthodontic treatment.
Why You Should Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
The bacteria that live inside your mouth are called plaque. This plaque consumes any sugary particles left behind on your teeth after you eat or drink. The bacteria will then produce an acid that attacks your gums and erodes the enamel. Over time, plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a skilled dental professional.
To prevent plaque buildup, it’s important that you continue to practice good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. This means brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing once a day. We also recommend limiting how much sugar you consume on a daily basis.
To be clear, we’re not saying that you’re forbidden to eat chocolate or other sugary treats while wearing traditional metal braces. But reducing how much sugar you eat will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. It’ll also help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Jones
Dr. Bruce G. Jones is an experienced family dentist in Muskegon, Michigan. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through orthodontic treatment. To request an appointment, please call Bruce G. Jones Dentistry at (231) 780-5158. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
