One of the first questions we get from patients at Johnston Orthodontics is how braces will impact their diet. Braces are a complex orthodontic appliance, which means they can sustain damage. We’re going beyond the usual warnings to help you understand why certain foods are on the no-go list, how to avoid damage, and what to enjoy instead. If you’re looking for the scoop on foods to avoid with braces in Baytown, you’ve come to the right place.
Sticky Foods: Glue for Trouble
Sticky treats are the ultimate trap for anyone with braces. They can get lodged between wires and brackets, making them tough to clean and increasing your risk for cavities. Even worse, they can pull brackets right off your teeth!
Dr. Johnston wants you to watch out for:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Fruit roll-ups
- Chewy granola bars
These sweets might taste good, but they’re troublemakers in disguise. If you’re craving something sweet, try soft-baked cookies or pudding instead.
Hard Foods: Satisfying Crunch Today, Repair Tomorrow
That crunch of a pretzel or raw carrot that you love so much can quickly become a problem when you have braces. Hard foods can snap wires, loosen brackets, or bend appliances. Even if the damage seems small, it can lead to delays in your orthodontic treatment and extra appointments.
Common culprits include:
- Ice (yes, even chewing small pieces!)
- Nuts and seeds
- Hard taco shells
- Corn chips and kettle-cooked chips
- Raw carrots, apples (unless cut into small, manageable pieces)
Instead of crunching into trouble, opt for softer alternatives like steamed veggies or cut-up fruits. It’s a simple swap that keeps your braces safe.
Crunchy & Chewy Breads: Combative Carbs
Bagels, pizza crusts, and crusty bread may not seem hazardous, but their chewy texture can cause significant damage to your braces. These foods require a lot of force to bite and chew, which puts pressure on your brackets.
Avoid or modify these items:
- Bagels
- Crusty rolls
- Pizza crust
- Hard pretzels
- French bread
- Chewy tortillas
If you’re eating bread, go for soft sandwich bread. You still get your carb fix without the risk.
Sugary Snacks: Silent Saboteurs
Braces make it more difficult for most patients to brush and floss thoroughly. When you add sugary snacks into the mix, plaque and bacteria get a chance to hang around longer, leading to cavities and permanent marks on your teeth.
Always think twice about consuming:
- Soda and sugary sports drinks
- Candy
- Cake and frosting
- Ice cream with sticky mix-ins
- Sweetened cereal
While you don’t have to say goodbye to sugar forever, moderation and good hygiene are vital. Brush after every meal and choose water over soda. We also know that this can present an extra challenge when it comes to children, so you might have to get creative with safe sugar substitutes!
“Bite-Into” Foods: Handle With Care
Some foods are fine to eat if they’re cut into small pieces, but biting into them whole? That’s a no-go. Taking a big bite puts too much force on your front brackets and can lead to damage.
Handle carefully:
- Whole apples
- Corn on the cob
- Chicken wings
- Ribs
- Crusty sandwiches
Instead, try slicing apples thin, cutting corn off the cob, and removing meat from bones before eating. A little prep goes a long way.
Smarter Food Choices With Braces
Eating with braces doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy, not even close! There are plenty of really delicious braces-friendly foods out there that won’t put your treatment at risk. In fact, choosing the right foods will make your braces journey smoother and more comfortable.
Here are some smart picks:
- Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, applesauce, and ripe peaches
- Cooked vegetables: Steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots
- Proteins: Tender meats, scrambled eggs, tofu, and soft-cooked beans
- Grains: Oatmeal, pasta, rice, and soft bread
- Snacks: Yogurt, cheese, smoothies, and pudding
Meals like pasta with a creamy sauce, grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, or a smoothie packed with fruits and yogurt are all perfectly safe and satisfying.
Johnston Orthodontics is aware that part of successful treatment is loving life along the way. If you’re ever unsure whether a food is safe, just ask Dr. Johnston. She and our Baytown team are here to help guide you toward choices that protect your progress and keep you smiling.
Nice and Nourishing
If you or a family member has any specific dietary concerns or intolerances, we might be able to offer you some additional advice on safe foods to eat with braces. There are also some amazing blogs and YouTube videos of others documenting their experience with a braces-friendly diet, so don’t be afraid to do some research!
Our Baytown office is always happy to welcome you in for your first free consultation. We hope to see you soon!