Summer is finally here! With all the plans for your fun in the sun, you’re bound to want to munch on all your favorite meals. However, if you’re straightening your smile with traditional braces, you might have to think twice about the foods you choose to enjoy. After all, one wrong bite can potentially ruin a wire or bracket and delay your orthodontic process. Here are a few summer foods you’ll want to avoid as well as the type of meals you should be safe to enjoy!
Which Summer Foods Should You Avoid?
Chomping down on the wrong kinds of treats can easily ruin your summer plans, especially if you’re wearing braces. For this reason, you’ll need to keep in mind which foods are safe for your brackets and wires and which can cause problems. Some that you should keep away from include:
Meat on the Bone
Do you tend to munch out on delicious steaks during summer cookouts? While they taste amazing, they can be tough for your braces to handle. To avoid getting meat stuck between brackets or causing them to loosen, it’s best to hold off on gnawing on things like beef, chicken wings, and turkey legs. You might instead cut them into tinier pieces to make them safer for your teeth.
Raw Veggies & Fruits
Though essential for a healthy diet, raw fruits and vegetables can damage wires and brackets. Eating apples, carrots, and corn on the cob can potentially cost you an extra trip to your orthodontist. Make sure these foods are cooked and softened first before chewing them.
Crunchy Grains
While many grains are easier to chew, others may be problematic for your braces. Bread, bagels, and crackers that are too hard or crunchy can get stuck between wires or cause a bracket to pop off. Try enjoying a softer choice to prevent this from happening.
Which Meals Are Safe to Eat with Braces?
You’ll have to watch out for certain foods while wearing braces, that way your summer fun can go on without a hitch. Fortunately, there are some meals that you can enjoy without having to worry about a thing, such as:
- Watermelon
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni & cheese
- Grilled/cooked veggies
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Ice cream malts and shakes
Even if you’re wearing traditional braces, it doesn’t mean they have to keep you from making the most of your summer. Choose your meals wisely, and you can be sure to have a fun time while keeping your orthodontic process on track!
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt has been delivering exceptional and compassionate orthodontic care for well over two decades. He attended the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine before studying at the University of Washington Seattle’s Orthodontics program. If you have any questions about how to care for your braces or need to schedule a visit, feel free to visit our website or call us at 508-422-5499.
