Brace Yourself: A Guide to Choosing Foods That Keep Your Smile in Shape

When you have braces, it's essential to be mindful of the foods you eat to avoid damaging your braces and set you back on your journey to the perfect smile. Here's a list of foods that are generally safe to eat when you have braces.

Dairy:

Yogurt

Soft cheese

Pudding

Grains:

Soft cooked rice

Cooked pasta

Soft bread without crusts

Meats/Poultry:

Soft-cooked chicken

Meatloaf Soft deli meats (in moderation)

Seafood:

Soft-cooked fish

Tuna (soft varieties)

Fruits:

Applesauce

Bananas

Soft berries (cut into small pieces)

Peeled and sliced soft fruits

Vegetables:

Mashed potatoes

Steamed or boiled vegetables (cut into small pieces)

Soft-cooked beans

Snacks:

Soft crackers

Jello

Soft cookies (without nuts or hard chunks)

Water:

Staying hydrated is crucial for oral health.

Milk:

Provides calcium for tooth and bone health.

Smoothies:

Blended fruits and yogurt or milk.

Ice Cream:

Soft ice cream or yogurt-based treats.

Popsicles:

Avoid biting

let them melt.

Special Considerations

Cut or Break Foods: For harder foods, like apples or carrots, cut or break them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods:

Gum Hard candies

Popcorn

Nuts

Pretzels

Chewing on ice

Be Mindful of Sugary Foods:

Proper oral hygiene is crucial when consuming sugary foods to prevent cavities. Carefully

Navigate Crunchy Foods:

Be cautious with crunchy snacks; break them into smaller, manageable pieces.