16
Sep
What Can I Eat with Braces?
Determining what you can eat with braces can be difficult. Before braces, you could probably eat whatever you wanted without it becoming an issue. Unfortunately, however, there are various food types that you can not eat with braces, such as sticky sweets and really hard fruits.
What to eat with braces
While there are certain food items that are now off the list, you can still come up with delicious meals without hurting your braces. The following are the four best food items to eat with braces.
Dairy products
The best news for many who have recently gotten braces is that they can still eat dairy products, such as cheese, eggs and yogurt. Not only do dairy products not harm your braces or dental health, but they actually are helpful to your overall dental health. Dairy products are typically very rich in calcium, which is helpful for the overall strength of our teeth.
While some harder cheeses may be a bit more difficult to eat with braces, especially after they have been tightened, softer dairy products – such as scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt – go down easy without the need for much chewing.
Soft fruits and vegetables
It is important for children and adults alike to receive a steady dose of fruits and vegetables with their meals. Fortunately, fruits and vegetables are items you can eat with braces.
Although there are certain fruits and vegetables that are likely to be more difficult to eat with braces, such as a hard apple or corn on the cob, making the fruits and vegetables softer allows patients to keep enjoying their favorites. For instance, with apples, it is possible to make applesauce or slice the apples up into small bites. With corn, cut it off the cob or make creamed corn.
Fish without bones
Another extremely healthy food item kids and adults with braces can eat without breaking their braces is fish without bones, such as salmon, tuna and trout. This is not to say individuals with braces are not able to consume fish with bones, but they simply should be more careful when dealing with catfish and other bonefish. Scientists have actually linked the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish with a lower risk of developing gum disease, so it is actually helpful to overall oral health.
Soups and salad
There is nothing like a delicious soup or salad. While soups and salads do not always get the praise they deserve, they quickly become a desirable food item once braces enter the equation. Soups are possibly the best thing to eat with braces as they do not require much chewing at all and do not leave food particles in between your teeth. Although there may be some ingredients in salads that are off limits, salad generally is fairly soft and will not damage braces. Be sure to get creative with soups and salads and add in all of your favorite ingredients.
Are you considering braces in the Red Bluff area? Get more information about braces at https://www.drelloway.com.
Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.