Most people know the importance of taking care of their braces, but there are still some common mistakes people make when they have them on. This post will discuss some of the things to avoid when you have braces so that you can keep your smile looking great!

Foods To Avoid When Wearing Braces

Sticky and hard candy: These can cause your braces to loosen or even break. If you must have candy, go for softer options like chocolate.

Chewy candy: This type of candy can stretch out your brackets and wires, which can lead to them breaking.

Popcorn: The kernels can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove.

Gum: Chewing gum can cause your brackets to come off or loosen. It can also be difficult to clean off your teeth.

Nuts: Nuts are hard and can break your wires and damage your braces. If you must have them, make sure to eat them in moderation. 

Ice: Chewing on ice can break your wires and damage your braces.

Hard fruits/veggies: Biting into hard fruits and vegetables can break your wires or damage your braces.

Chips: Chips are crunchy and hard, which can break your braces. If you must have them, eat them in moderation.

Tea and coffee: Tea and Coffee can stain your teeth, so it is best to avoid it if you have braces.

Pizza: The dough can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. If you want pizza, go for the thin crust option.

Foods To Eat When Wearing Braces

Soft fruits/veggies: Soft fruits and vegetables are easier on your braces and won’t damage them. Eating veggies will supply you with the nutrients needed for healthy teeth and gums. 

Yogurt: Yogurt is soft and easy to eat with braces. It is also a good source of calcium, which is important for healthy teeth.

Soup: Soup is another soft food that is easy to eat with braces. It can also be a healthy option if you choose a soup with vegetables.

Macaroni and cheese: Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to eat with braces.

Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are soft and easy to eat with braces. They are also a good source of potassium, which is essential for nourishing the teeth and gums.

Ice cream: Ice cream is a delicious treat that is soft and easy to eat with braces. You can eat it as a treat once in a while to commend yourself for a good job with your braces.

Pudding: Pudding is another soft and delicious treat that is easy to eat with braces.

Cake: Cake is often served at celebrations, so it’s important to know that it can be eaten with braces. Just be careful of the icing, as it can be sticky and hard to remove from your braces.

Cookies: Cookies are another treat that can be eaten with braces. However, you need to be careful of the ones that are crunchy or have nuts, as they can damage your braces.

Other Dos and Don’ts of Braces.

Brush and floss regularly: These are important for everyone, but it is especially important if you have braces. Ensure you brush and floss twice daily to remove food and plaque from your teeth.

See your dentist regularly: It is important to see your dentist every six months, even if you have braces. They can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and ensure your braces treatment is going as planned.

Be careful with hard objects: Hard objects, such as pencils and pens, can damage your braces, so handle them carefully.

Don’t eat sticky or hard foods: As mentioned above, sticky and hard foods can damage your braces. Avoid them if possible.

Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. That way, you don’t end up damaging your braces after a few hours of sporting activity.

Smoke: Smoking is terrible for your health and can also stain your teeth. If you have braces, it is best to avoid smoking at all costs!

The Bottomline

Wearing braces is a big commitment, but it’s worth it in the end. You will have straighter teeth and a healthier mouth. Just be sure to take care of your braces and follow the above tips. If you do, your braces will help you to achieve the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted.

When you’re ready to get your braces but do not know where to start, a quick Google search for a term like “dentist near me lake jackson” should give you some direction.