Eating with Braces: Foods to Avoid and Why

Eating with Braces: Foods to Avoid and Why

May 29, 2023 in Blog 0Comments

Maintaining a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for those who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. 

When you have braces, there are certain foods that you should avoid in order to prevent damage to your braces and ensure that your treatment stays on track. 

In this article, we will go over the foods that you should avoid with braces and why, as well as provide you with some alternatives and tips for eating with braces. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that you are eating a healthy, braces-friendly diet while also maintaining the integrity of your braces and keeping your treatment on track. 

So, let’s dive in and learn more about the foods to avoid with braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

When you have braces, there are certain foods that can be problematic and should be avoided. These include sticky and chewy foods, hard and crunchy foods, as well as sugary and acidic foods. Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky and chewy foods can be a problem for people with braces because they can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean your teeth properly. 

Here are some examples of sticky and chewy foods to avoid:

  • Gum: Chewing gum can easily get stuck in your braces, and the sugar in gum can cause cavities.
  • Caramel: Caramel is another sticky food that can get stuck in your braces and is high in sugar.
  • Gummies: Gummies are another food that can easily get stuck in your braces and are often high in sugar.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard and crunchy foods can be problematic because they can damage the brackets and wires of your braces. Here are some examples of hard and crunchy foods to avoid:

  • Nuts: Nuts can easily damage your braces, and small pieces of nuts can get lodged between your teeth and braces.
  • Popcorn: Popcorn can get stuck in your braces, and unpopped kernels can also damage your braces.
  • Hard Candies: Hard candies can damage your braces and are often high in sugar, which can lead to cavities.

Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugary and acidic foods can be problematic because they can lead to cavities and damage the enamel of your teeth. Here are some examples of sugary and acidic foods to avoid:

  • Soda: Soda is high in sugar and acid, which can lead to cavities and enamel erosion.
  • Fruit Juice: Fruit juice is often high in sugar and acid, which can also lead to cavities and enamel erosion.
  • Sports Drinks: Sports drinks are often high in sugar and acid, which can lead to cavities and enamel erosion.

Now that you know the foods to avoid with braces, let’s take a closer look at why you should avoid them.

Why These Foods Should be Avoided

Risk of Damaging Braces

The first reason to avoid certain foods when you have braces is to prevent damage to your braces. Sticky and chewy foods can get stuck in your braces and pull on the brackets and wires, potentially causing them to break or become dislodged. 

Hard and crunchy foods can also damage the brackets and wires of your braces, potentially causing them to break or become dislodged. 

Additionally, biting down on hard or crunchy foods can cause the brackets and wires to press into your gums and cheeks, causing discomfort or even injury.

Risk of Developing Cavities

The second reason to avoid certain foods when you have braces is to prevent the development of cavities. Sugary and acidic foods can cause cavities by weakening the enamel of your teeth and providing a food source for harmful bacteria. 

When you have braces, it can be more difficult to clean your teeth properly, which means that any food particles that get stuck in your braces or between your teeth can lead to cavities.

Risk of Prolonged Treatment Time

The third reason to avoid certain foods when you have braces is to prevent prolonged treatment time. When you damage your braces or develop cavities, it can set your treatment back and prolong the time that you need to wear your braces. 

This means that you will need to wear your braces for a longer period of time than originally anticipated, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.

Now that you know why these foods should be avoided, let’s take a closer look at some alternatives to the foods to avoid.

Alternatives to the Foods to Avoid

Just because there are certain foods that you should avoid with braces doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a healthy, delicious diet. 

Here are some alternatives to the foods to avoid that are soft, easy to chew, and braces-friendly.

Soft and Easy-to-Chew Foods

Soft and easy-to-chew foods are a great option when you have braces because they are less likely to get stuck in your braces or damage them. 

Here are some examples of soft and easy-to-chew foods:

  • Cooked Vegetables: Cooked vegetables are soft and easy to chew and are a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
  • Soft Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, grapes, and melons are easy-to-chew and are a great source of vitamins and fibre.
  • Soft Bread: Soft bread like white bread, pita bread, and tortillas are easy to chew and are a great source of carbohydrates.

Nutritious and Braces-Friendly Snacks

Nutritious and braces-friendly snacks are a great way to satisfy your hunger and get the nutrients that you need without damaging your braces. 

Here are some examples of nutritious and braces-friendly snacks:

  • Cheese: Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein and is soft and easy to chew.
  • Yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein and is easy to chew.
  • Hummus and Crackers: Hummus and crackers are a great source of protein, carbohydrates and are easy to chew.

Drinks that are Safe for Braces

Drinks that are safe for braces are important because they can help keep your teeth clean and healthy while also keeping your braces in good condition. 

Here are some examples of drinks that are safe for braces:

  • Water: Water is the best drink for your teeth and is important for keeping your mouth hydrated.
  • Milk: Milk is a great source of calcium and is important for keeping your teeth and bones strong.
  • Sugar-Free Sports Drinks: Sugar-free sports drinks are a great way to stay hydrated and replenish your electrolytes without damaging your teeth or braces.

Now that you know some alternatives to the foods to avoid, let’s take a look at some tips for eating with braces.

Tips for Eating with Braces

Eating with braces can take some getting used to, but with these tips, you can make sure that you are eating a healthy, braces-friendly diet while also maintaining the integrity of your braces.

Cut Food into Small Pieces

When you have braces, it can be difficult to bite into certain foods. To make things easier, cut your food into small pieces that are easy to chew.

Chew with Back Teeth

When you are eating with braces, it’s important to avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods with your front teeth. Instead, use your back teeth to chew your food.

Rinse Mouth after Eating

After you eat, rinse your mouth with water to help remove any food particles that may be stuck in your braces or between your teeth.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing regularly is important for everyone, but it’s especially important when you have braces. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy.

Now that you know some tips for eating with braces, let’s wrap up this article with a conclusion.

If you liked this post, check out our last article on, “Why Your Child Should Brush Their Teeth Every Day.”

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Dr. Amanda Huminicki

BScDent, MScDent, DMD
I love working with children, which is why I have so much fun as a pediatric dentist. I taught children dance lessons while in school, and knew that I wanted to keep working with kids as a dentist. I’m lucky to have the privilege of laughing and sharing joy with my patients, and I enjoy watching them grow up into amazing young adults. I find it so rewarding to be part of a fantastic team that helps kids learn about their oral health and have a positive experience at the dentist.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science degree (Dentistry), University of Manitoba
  • Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree, University of Manitoba
  • Masters of Science degree (Dentistry), University of Manitoba

Continuing Education

I enjoy keeping current in the field of pediatric dentistry and getting together with colleagues to learn and share experiences. I attend many courses and conferences each year and am a member of the following organizations:

  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • York Region Dental Society

In the Practice

I’m so fortunate to work with a fantastic group of people at KDG! The entire team is so caring and dedicated to providing the best possible care to our patients, and we have a lot of fun together at work. It’s a joy to work closely with such talented and knowledgeable people who also have incredibly kind hearts. Our patients and their families are so much fun to interact with, and there’s always a positive and upbeat feeling in the clinic.

Family and Community

I recently moved to Toronto from Winnipeg with my husband and am really enjoying getting to know my new community. The city is so exciting and I’m having fun exploring Toronto and all the amazing communities nearby. I enjoy staying active, and can usually be found running, at spin class, doing yoga, or walking outside on a nice day. I also love spending time with my family and friends, and try to see them as much as possible.

Dr. Krista Lee

BSc, DDS, Cert. Ortho.
I am enthusiastic and passionate about what I do and I feel very lucky to be an orthodontist. I get to meet new people every day in the office, and I always learn a lot about them. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way.Because I see my patients every month for a couple of years, I really get a chance to get to know them, watching the young ones grow and mature. It makes me the happiest when a patient comes in and is excited be here and wants to share good news with me, like graduating, getting straight A’s, or their first goal at a soccer game. They know that I’m interested in them, I care, and I am proud of their accomplishments.

I appreciate that they are willing to let me help them with their smiles, and that they are willing to do their part, too. It’s a team effort because the orthodontist, the patient, the family, and the staff all have to work together to create beautiful smiles!

Education

  • Bachelors of Science, University of Western Ontario
  • Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
  • General Practice Residency, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital
  • Orthodontic Specialty, New York University in Manhattan
  • Board Eligible for the American Board of Orthodontists
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada

Continuing Education

During my time at New York University, I was an instructor for the Invisalign® course for dental students, and the orthodontic course for the dental honors students. I’ve learned so much during my education and enjoy sharing this knowledge with my patients and staff.

I’ve also published research in the American Journal of Orthodontics, Journal of Canadian Dentistry, and Oral Health. Our profession is moving toward evidenced-based practices and I think it’s very important to help support this.

While practicing as a general dentist, I had the opportunity to provide dental care to the First Nations’ population in the Northwest Territories, Northern Manitoba, and the Queen Charlotte Islands in BC. I also had the opportunity to provide dental outreach to children’s hospitals and orphanages in Vietnam and Cambodia, which was very rewarding. Locally, LA Orthodontics is proud to support the Sick Kids Foundation.

Professional Affiliations

  • Canadian Association for Orthodontics
  • American Association for Orthodontics
  • Northeastern Society for Orthodontics

Family and Community

I grew up in Vancouver, BC, and am very excited to be part of the Stouffville community! We have recently joined the Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce and I have met many great people and everyone has been very welcoming. My family in Vancouver includes my parents, younger brother and sister, and my older brother in Singapore. All of us are very close and get along well. In my spare time, I enjoy ballet, travel, cooking, and snorkeling.

Dr. Edina Heder

MScDent., DMD, Cert. Pedo.
I love kids. They are fun-loving and you can joke around with them all day long. That’s why I find my work in pediatric dentistry so rewarding. I get to spend time with some of the brightest, most fun people in the world, helping them stay healthy and develop good habits for a lifetime of wellness.

Education

Before becoming a dentist, I attained the following education:

  • Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree, University of Manitoba
  • Clinical Director of the Undergraduate Pediatric Dentistry, University of Manitoba
  • Pediatric Dentistry Certificate and Masters Degree in Dentistry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

 

Continuing Education

I maintain memberships with several professional organizations that ensure I stay informed about the latest technology and techniques in my field. I belong to the following associations:

  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • York Region Dental Society
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

In the Practice

I am proud to be a part of this practice and to associate with so many excellent professionals. I have a strong sense of home here, which is very important to me. My family moved from Bosnia when I was a child and we settled in Winnipeg where I grew up. After earning my DMD degree, I practiced and taught there before going to New Jersey to specialize. I moved to Ontario after graduating from the pediatric program to become a part of the LA team. I love the variety of my work and how friendly the atmosphere at the office is every day. It not only makes my job as nice as it is, it also helps provide a great atmosphere for my patients. Having a positive experience at the dentist as a child can make a big difference in person’s lifelong outlook on oral health.

Family and Community

My husband and I live in Gormley, Ontario where we are happy to raise our very active children. The kids keep us busy with a variety of activities, including gymnastics at Pulsars and swimming in Stouffville. I enjoy all of the time I get to spend at home and in my community with my family.

Dr. Zhemeng Wang

DDS, Cert. Pedo.
First and foremost, I love children. They inspire me every day to have more fun and to be more energetic, creative, and optimistic. I am very lucky that, as a pediatric dentist, my job gives me the opportunity to interact with kids all day long, and to help them with their oral health and overall health.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree, McGill University
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, University of Western Ontario
  • Advanced Training in Pediatric Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry

Continuing Education

I greatly value the importance of keeping up with the latest advances in my field. Throughout the year, I attend several conferences and continuing education courses offered by my professional associations, which include:

  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Chinese Canadian Dental Society

In the Practice

I truly believe that I work at one of the finest teams in the field of oral health. It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply for patients and works to provide the best treatment setting possible. I am confident that my patients will be comfortable in this practice and committed in providing a great experience at each visit.

Family and Community

I really love Toronto and all the opportunities it provides. I am proud of my work with the Chinese Canadian Dental Society, of which I am a past president, as well as the educational sessions I have conducted at several schools in Richmond Hill and Markham. In my leisure time, I like to be with family and friends, whether it’s catching a movie or exploring one of Toronto’s excellent restaurants. I stay fit by running and practicing yoga. I also like to travel when I get the chance.

Dr. Anthony Antoniazzi

BSc, DDS, Cert. Ortho.
I feel very privileged to be an orthodontist, because my profession has truly changed the way people smile. Orthodontics can have a positive impact on self-esteem and it is amazing to see the changes it can have on an individual’s self-confidence. I truly feel as though I have the greatest job in the world, and I enjoy coming to work every day. Because our practice treats both children and adults, we are very fortunate to meet many different people and build personal and professional relationships with them. Not only can we help our patients, but we can also learn from them.

We have a strong, team approach at the office, hopefully making every treatment more efficient and enjoyable. My team and I have the experience and knowledge required to create beautiful smiles, and, best of all, we love what we do! My profession allows me to give back to the community, and to give confidence through a new smile!

Education

  • Bachelor of Science Degree – Laurentian University
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery – University of Western Ontario
  • Advanced Education in General Dentistry – Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Orthodontic Specialty – Jacksonville University, Florida
  • Board Eligible for the American Board of Orthodontics
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada

Continuing Education

I have been exposed to a wide variety of continuing education courses which have helped mold the way I practice orthodontics. We believe in an evidence-based approach when employing new techniques in our practice. Not only do we take into consideration the dental literature and doctors’ experience and expertise, but we also truly value patients’ input.

As a part of my continuing education, I dedicated a full year to focusing on crown and bridge and implant dentistry. As many complex orthodontic cases require an interdisciplinary-approach, it is helpful to have this background and understanding when I am planning treatment and communicating with the dentists of our patients.

Professional Affiliations

  • Canadian Association of Orthodontics
  • Progressive Orthodontist Study Group

Family and Community

I am originally from Kirkland Lake and really enjoy the similarities I have found here in Stouffville. Everyone is warm and friendly, and even though it’s a big city, it has the charm and feeling of a small town! My parents still live up north and own a pharmacy in Kirkland Lake, and I have two older sisters and four really fun nephews! In my spare time, I enjoy golf, fishing, hockey, live music, and doing anything outdoors.

I am new to the Stouffville area but in the past I have been active in my community through coaching youth sports, especially hockey, baseball, and volleyball. I also volunteer for the Christmas Wish Foundation and Meals on Wheels. I understand the importance of being a community-minded citizen and I am excited to become an active member of the Stouffville community!