Foods to Avoid with Braces

Braces are created to be able to withstand the normal wear and tear of life, but you should still take precautions to help care for 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.

Sugary and starchy meals contribute to the formation of plaque acid, which can lead to tooth decay and the progression of gum disease. Sweets that are sticky and chewy, such as caramel, fudge, and toffee, can cause wire damage and loosen brackets as well.

What are the foods that should not be eaten with braces?

In general, people with braces should avoid all meals that are sticky, firm, or chewy since they might damage braces or reduce the effectiveness of their braces' impact. Some of the foods that you should avoid if you have braces include the following:

What foods are safe for braces?

Foods that are soft are normally the most recommended for those who wear braces since they are less harsh on the hardware. Here are some of the foods that you can eat without concern while wearing braces:

If you have braces then you should also refrain from biting into foods using your front teeth. Here are some of the foods that you should chop up prior to eating:

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.

What are some ways that you can help keep your braces clean?

When it is time to clean your teeth and braces you should take our any removable parts and safely store them. 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.

Bear in mind the 45-degree rule when brushing your braces. Brush the bottom teeth slightly upward to provide access to the bracket groove, and the top teeth slightly downward to allow access to the bracket groove as well. The majority of the time, food will become trapped on the sides of your braces and in between your cheek and teeth. Develop the habit of brushing your teeth with a toothpick or floss after meals. This should make brushing more manageable.

When wearing braces, flossing is still feasible. To get behind the wire, though, you should use dental floss with hard points or flossing lassos. You can also try toothbrushes that have stiff bristles in order to avoid getting them caught in your braces.

If you would like to learn more about how to care for your braces, contact our Etobicoke orthodontic team.