Navigating your nutrition with braces

‍Orthodontic-Friendly Choices:

Soft Foods: Opt for soft and easy-to-chew foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups. These choices are gentle on your braces and won't risk damaging the wires or brackets.

Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or cooked vegetables are a great addition to your diet. Ensure they are soft enough to be comfortably chewed without putting excessive pressure on your braces.

Lean Proteins: Incorporate lean protein sources like eggs, fish, and tender meats. These foods provide essential nutrients for your overall health without posing a threat to your braces.

Dairy Products: Calcium-rich dairy products like cheese and milk are excellent choices for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Plus, they are gentle on your braces.

Soft Fruits: Enjoy fruits that are easy to bite into without causing harm to your braces, such as bananas, berries, and melons. Remember to cut larger fruits into smaller, manageable pieces and not bite into hard fruits like apples using your front teeth.‍

Foods to Avoid:

Hard Foods: Steer clear of hard, crunchy snacks like popcorn, nuts, and hard candies. These can easily break or damage your braces.

Sticky Treats: Candies, chewing gum, and sticky sweets should be avoided, as they can adhere to your braces, making cleaning more challenging and increasing the risk of cavities.

Chewy Foods: Tough-to-chew items like bagels, tough meats, and certain breads may put excessive pressure on your braces, potentially causing damage.

Raw Vegetables: While vegetables are generally encouraged, biting into raw, hard veggies like carrots can pose a risk to your braces. Consider cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

Carbonated Drinks: Limit your consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages. If you indulge, use a straw to minimize contact with your braces and rinse your mouth afterward. Even without braces these are damaging to your teeth.

If you have Invisalign your diet doesn’t need to change much but you may want to minimise heavily pigmented foods like beetroot, turmeric, red wine, tea and coffee to avoid staining. 

Maintaining Oral Hygiene:

Regardless of your food choices, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth after each meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing becomes even more critical with braces to remove any food particles that may get stuck between wires and brackets. We can show you special types of floss or small brushes to clean between your teeth. You will get personalised instruction on the day you get your braces on. We also provide you with a take-home pack with all of the essentials to keep your teeth and braces sparkly clean. 

By adhering to these dietary guidelines and maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices, you can navigate your braces journey with confidence. Remember, your orthodontic team is here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your diet or braces care. Enjoy your orthodontic adventure, and savour the anticipation of your future radiant smile!