The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating with Traditional Metal Braces

Are you thinking about, or have you just gotten braces? If so, you probably want to know what you can and can’t eat with your new braces, including what you should avoid altogether. Your orthodontist in Columbia, SC will tell you exactly what you should and shouldn’t do when you have braces. However, it helps to have this information in advance. So let’s talk about eating with braces.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating with Traditional Metal Braces

Here are some of the foods you should avoid altogether if you have traditional metal braces.

• Popcorn

Popcorn kernels get stuck in your gums and the metal brackets must be removed to get them out.

• Hard or Sticky Candy

Hard and sticky candies could cause the metal brackets to break and/or cause the wires to move, making your braces uncomfortable to wear.

• Nuts

Just like hard candy, nuts are also hard and could cause the metal brackets to break off or the wires to bend.

• Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob should never be eaten if you are wearing braces because it almost always results in bending the wires and causing the brackets to come off.

• Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is sticky; therefore, it gets stuck in the wires and brackets causing them to dislodge.

Modifying Foods So They Can be Eaten If You Have Braces

There are some foods that can be modified so that you can still eat them if you have braces in Columbia, SC.

• Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can be chopped up into smaller pieces, so they are easier to eat. It’s also recommended that when you eat them, you use your back teeth to chew.

• Meats

Meat is extremely fibrous and can be hard to chew even without braces. Therefore, you should cook your meat in a way that softens it making it easier to chew. For example, using a slow cooker to cook your meat. Then you should cut it into small pieces, so it is easier to chew.

• Cheeses

Cheese notoriously gets stuck in the space between the metal wires and your teeth. You can try cutting the cheese into small pieces and eating it that way while trying to avoid your braces.

What’s Next?

If you need an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. We believe a beautiful smile can change your life and we would love to help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.