Foods To Avoid While Receiving Orthodontic Treatment

Exploring your orthodontic options in Kyle, TX? Then you’re probably wondering what sort of changes you can expect.

As your braces will work to straighten your teeth and help you get a straight and healthy smile, you’ll need to avoid certain foods. Keep reading to know exactly which ones.
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Why Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods?

Certain foods can affect your orthodontic treatment or make oral hygiene slightly more difficult. While you’re not obligated to stay away from these foods, consuming them can lead to some tricky situations. 

Some snacks or food items may even damage the braces themselves, requiring you to see your orthodontist as soon as possible to get them fixed. Staying away from these foods makes the entire treatment a lot easier to manage.
 

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces

1. Sticky foods

Sticky foods like caramel or even chewing gum are difficult to enjoy with braces. First, sweets can stick to the tooth or under the wires, and if you don’t brush your teeth right away, you may increase your risk for cavities.

These foods can also wrap around the wires and be very difficult to clean.
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2. Hard and crumbly foods 

Hard foods that also crumble, such as nuts, crackers, chips, or even popcorn, are also better avoided while receiving orthodontic treatment.

They require a lot of pressure to chew, which may damage and bend your wires.
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3. Chewy foods

Sticky and chewy foods can get stuck in your braces, making it challenging to clean properly and potentially leading to plaque buildup. Stay away from chewy candies, caramels, taffy, gummies, and even some chewing gum.
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4. Tough Food

Tough cuts of meat can be difficult to chew and may dislodge brackets or wires. Cut meat into small, bite-sized pieces or opt for tender, easy-to-chew options.
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What Happens If I Eat Something Listed Above?

Mistakes can happen, or you may get such a strong craving that you eat something you’re not supposed to. Here’s what to do:

• Brush your teeth as soon as possible to remove any particles left behind.
• Look at the brackets to make sure food isn’t stuck to them.
• Inspect your wires and bands to see if anything’s loose or damaged.
• If you see or feel anything wrong with them, see your orthodontist as soon as possible.
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How Kyle Orthodontics Can Help

If you are dealing with tooth alignment problems or an unhealthy bite, Dr. Tessler can help with professional orthodontics for adults, teens, or even kids!

And if wires, brackets, and food restrictions are keeping you from getting your teeth strengthened, Dr. Tessler can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for alternative treatments like Invisalign.

Request a visit to Kyle Orthodontics online and stop by our practice to discover your options.

For more information, call us at (512) 262-7895 for a short chat.