If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important that you avoid certain foods.

If you have decided to undergo orthodontic treatment in the form of braces, there are a few adjustments you may need to make to your day-to-day life. One of the things to be mindful of is your diet —there are certain foods that you shouldn’t eat if you have braces. Read on to find out which foods are best avoided, and which ones are fine to enjoy throughout the duration of your treatment…

What to eat when you first get braces

When you first get your braces, you might experience some sensitivity for a few days while your mouth adjusts. During this time, it is best to avoid foods that are hard to chew. Rather stick to soft foods such as mashed fruits and vegetables, soups, oats, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and soft cheeses. Other good options include soft cooked pasta, steamed soft vegetables, soft fruits and seafood. Your mouth should adjust within a week or so, at which point you will be able to eat most of your favourite foods again.

What to avoid when you first get braces

Certain foods can cause irritation in the mouth immediately after braces have been placed and can cause issues like sensitivity and pressure. Some foods that are best avoided when you first get your braces include ice cream, spicy foods, citrus fruits and thick breads and meat. Once your teeth have adjusted to your new braces, you will be able to eat these foods again.

What to avoid completely while you have braces

In order to prevent damage to your braces, it is best to avoid particularly hard and sticky foods. This includes nuts, hard and chewy candy, ice, popcorn and chewing gum. Other foods to avoid for the duration of your orthodontic treatment include pizza crusts, hard breads like bagels, hard crackers, chips, and crunchy fruits and vegetables. Eating these foods could lead to damage of the wires, bands or brackets of your braces.

For the sake of your oral health, we recommend that you don’t eat too many sugary snacks while you have braces. When you eat foods that contain sugar, plaque forms and sticks to the surface of the teeth. While plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth, this is more difficult to do when you have braces. If plaque is left on the teeth, your risk of developing tooth decay increases.

What to eat during orthodontic treatment

Besides a few foods that are best avoided, you should be able to stick to your normal diet throughout your orthodontic treatment. For the sake of your oral and overall health, it is best to eat a balanced diet that is rich in whole foods and vegetables, as well as plenty of dairy products and lean protein. Enjoy sweet treats in moderation only and be sure to drink water throughout the day.

Besides eating a nutritious diet, it’s also important that you practice good oral hygiene while you have braces. If you need any guidance on keeping your teeth and braces clean, chat to our team for some tips.

How can we help?

At Straight Orthodontics, we offer a range of orthodontic options, as well as guidance on making the best of your treatment. Our offering includes conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, retainers, clear aligners, and early treatment. To find out more about the orthodontic solutions that we offer, please have a look here.

If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on 03 9585 8000.