Food To Avoid With Dental Braces

Dental braces are devices used in orthodontics to straighten a patient’s teeth. Braces work by applying continuous pressure to slowly move teeth into a new position over a certain period of time. 

Traditional metal braces are what most people picture when they think of braces. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and straighten the teeth using a series of brackets and wires.

Traditional braces are one of the most affordable treatment options. They are worn continuously, and while they work quickly to make significant changes to your smile, they are also one of the more noticeable treatments.

Many types of braces exist, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and invisible braces. Our dentist will help you opt for the right one. 

There are a few types of food items that you need to avoid during the treatment period, which include:

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods are more likely to get stuck in your braces. We all know this. But some foods are stickier than others. There are certain foods you should avoid altogether.

Some foods are sticky because they’re more fibrous. They require more chewing, and this leaves them stuck to your teeth. Other foods have hidden sugars that stick to your teeth. For instance, dried fruit is a tasty snack for many people, but it’s one of the worst things you can eat with braces.

Hard Foods

Hard foods can damage your braces, so it’s best to eliminate them altogether. Some hard foods include:

• Popcorn
• Hard candies
• Jujubes
• Chocolate
• Ice
• Nuts
• Crab shells
• Chicken bones
• French bread

Crunchy Foods

Foods that are crunchy, like potato chips, popcorn, and pretzels, should be avoided at all costs. These foods can easily get stuck between your braces, and you could end up with even more damage to your teeth. Instead, it is best to stick with soft options like bread, pasta, and rice.

Acidic Foods

Foods like lemons, limes, and grapefruits are naturally acidic, so they can erode the enamel on your teeth. Because your dental braces are bonded to your teeth, eating these foods on a regular basis can cause your dental braces to degrade and break over time.

If you would like to know more about what the treatment entails and what your options are, give us a call at (760) 804-0080 or schedule an online appointment to visit our dental practice in Carlsbad, CA.