Eating with Braces
When your child gets braces, they need to make some changes that can’t be ignored.
There are certain foods that should be avoided altogether, or at least limit the extent of, in order to steer clear of any issues during treatment.
Why Are Dietary Changes Needed with Braces?
1. To Protect Braces from Damage
The main reason for changing what a child does and doesn’t eat during their orthodontic treatment is due to the risk of damaging braces. Foods that are too hard or sticky can snap the arch wire or dislodge a bracket from its tooth. Once this happens, the braces are ineffective until the orthodontist can repair the breakage. Avoiding damage will shorten treatment time!
2. To Avoid Discomfort After Adjustments to Braces
For a day or two after the orthodontist adjusts braces, your child’s teeth will probably feel sore. While their teeth get used to the new setting, your child should mainly eat softer foods. Foods that don’t require them to bite down or chew can be a welcome relief for aching teeth and gums. Soups, yogurt, milkshakes, or smoothies are all good options to ease any soreness. Once the teeth have moved into position, your child can go back to eating their regular (braces-friendly) diet.
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3. To Reduce the Risk of Stained Teeth
Drinking and eating foods high in sugar and not brushing soon after can cause teeth staining. It’s best to avoid any food or drinks that will coat teeth in sugar causing the exposed part of each tooth to stain while the part of the tooth protected by the bracket remains unstained.
Here are some suggestions for foods to enjoy and avoid with braces:
Foods to Enjoy:
1. Soups
2. Soft or Cooked Vegetables
3. Yogurt
4. Oatmeal
5. Scrambled Eggs
6. Soft Cheeses
7. Soft Fruits
8. Mashed Potatoes
9. Pasta
10. Milkshakes/Smoothies
Foods to Avoid:
1. Popcorn
2. Nuts
3. Chewing Gum
4. Hard or Chewy Candy
5. Hard Rolls or Bagels
6. Pretzels, Chips, Taco Shells, and Hard Crackers
7. Pizza Crust
8. Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits
9. Corn on the Cob
At All Star Orthodontics, my staff and I spend as much time as needed with each patient (and parents) to answer all of their questions and concerns about orthodontic treatment. We aim to make every patient feel comfortable and excited to get their braces on!
Patients of All Star Orthodontics also get a “Direct Line to Dr. Cline”. That’s right – I give all of my patients my personal line so they can call day or night with questions or concerns. It is just one more thing we do to make patients feel as comfortable and excited as possible about their journey to a healthy smile.
With a friendly, experienced team on-hand to make treatment as easy as possible for you, we’re the number one choice for traditional braces in the Richmond area.
If you’ve been looking for information on traditional braces treatment you can trust, give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We are conveniently located in Richmond, and have your confidence and comfort at the heart of our practice. Get in touch and let our extra special All Star Orthodontics team get to work on your smile!