Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods, such as rubber bands, wires, and brackets, can cause harm to orthodontic components such as braces. These are the foods that should be avoided when wearing braces, according to our Village Orthodontics - Guelph team.

Despite the fact that braces have gotten more durable over time, it is still necessary to exercise caution in order to avoid damaging them. If you are getting orthodontic treatment, it is critical that you avoid certain foods that might increase your chance of developing cavities or causing damage to your braces.

Meals high in sugar and carbohydrates help to create plaque acid, which can cause tooth decay and the spread of gum disease. Caramel, fudge, and toffee are examples of sticky, chewy treats that can damage wires and loosen brackets.

What food should someone who is wearing braces avoid?

In general, meals that are sticky, firm, or chewy should be avoided by people wearing braces as they may harm the braces or lessen the impact of the braces. To name a few, the following foods should be avoided when wearing braces:

What food can someone who is wearing braces eat?

For people who wear braces, soft foods are typically best because they are gentler on the appliance. To name a few examples of foods that you can eat while wearing braces, here they are:

Additionally, when wearing braces, wearers should refrain from using their front teeth to bite into tough foods. The following hearty meals can be made more manageable by cutting them up into smaller pieces when it is possible:

Teeth straightening with braces can take some years, and any damage to the braces' wires or brackets can lengthen the time of your therapy. Make sure you eat things that are safe for you to eat while wearing braces, and that you take proper care of your dental health.

How can I keep my braces clean?

To begin, remove any elastics, bands, or removable orthodontic components from your mouth and secure them in an out-of-the-mouth area. After that, fill a cup halfway with water and rinse your mouth with it. By swishing a tiny quantity of water around the inside of your mouth, you can dislodge food particles and other foreign objects.

The 45-degree rule should be followed when brushing your braces. Brush the top teeth downward to make the bracket groove accessible and the bottom teeth slightly upward to make the bracket groove accessible. Food will frequently get caught between your teeth and cheek and on the sides of your braces. Make it a habit to floss or use a toothpick to brush your teeth after meals. This ought to make brushing easier to manage.

When wearing braces, flossing is still feasible. To get behind the wire, though, you should use dental floss with hardpoints or flossing lassos. Additionally, you may want a toothbrush with stiffer bristles to avoid getting your brushes stuck in or damaged by your brackets.

To learn more about orthodontic treatment with braces, contact our Village Orthodontics - Guelph team. Or find a Village Orthodontics location near you.