Foods to Avoid (and Enjoy!) for Teens with Braces

The idea of braces is already terrifying to many. The wires and brackets on teeth seem painful to many teens. The concept of eating foods with all of these attached to the teeth can be nightmare-inducing. 

But can someone skip meals just because he has braces? No, right? It’s not a feasible concept. So what to do?

Simply stick to this blog that sheds light on what’s safe to enjoy with braces and what to avoid. Following the right diet can make teens’ orthodontic journey seamless. 

Let’s dive in:

Sticky and Chewy Foods: A Big No

Teens love to snack on sticky foods such as caramel, toffees, chewing gum, and gummy candies. But they pose the risk of getting stuck in brackets and wires. It can damage or loosen the braces. Apart from this, these treats can also increase the risk of plaque buildup. 

Hard and Crunchy Foods: Best to Avoid

Teens love popcorn, nuts, and hard candies. But they can snap wires or dislodge brackets if you are not careful with how you eat them. Even crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, can pose a threat to wires if you take a rough bite of them. Simply cut them into small pieces before eating.

Sugary Foods: Limit Consumption

Teenage is the time when we grow a love for sugar. However sugary foods encourage bacterial growth on teeth. It can lead to cavities around brackets. So it’s best to avoid sodas, sugary cereals, and sticky desserts with braces. Teens can choose low-sugar snacks and rinse their mouths after mealtimes.

Safe and Braces-Friendly Snacks

As the list of which foods to avoid with braces is out of the way, it’s time to know the delicious and safe options with braces for teens.

The best in this list are soft fruits like bananas, berries, and seedless grapes. They are easy to chew and don’t require much effort to turn into tiny pieces. Yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes are also excellent braces-friendly meals that your teens must have in their diet.

Go for Soft Proteins 

You can never go wrong with soft, lean proteins. They keep braces safe and support teens’ overall health. Simply include scrambled eggs, cooked fish, tofu, and shredded chicken in your teens’ diet. You can also do the same with soups and stews as they are gentle on braces.

Dairy Products – A Big YES!

Rich in calcium, potassium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamin D, dairy products like milk, soft cheeses, and Greek yogurt make amazing snacks instead of cheese crackers. 

Teens with braces can enjoy a variety of delicious, healthy foods. Just skip anything that contains too many artificial flavors, bad for one’s overall health and might require too much effort to chew or eat. It’s best to stay mindful of your diet, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dream smile.

Have questions about braces or need more tips? Contact our orthodontic team today to schedule a consultation!