What should I not eat with braces? How long does it take to eat normally? How to avoid braces food mines?

Avoid hard, sticky and sugary foods during braces treatment. It is recommended that you choose soft meals, cut the food finely and chew it slowly, and clean thoroughly after meals to avoid damaging the braces or causing tooth decay.

What can't you eat with braces?What are these foods to avoid? Avoid these foods

During the braces process, there are certain foods that you need to pay special attention to, as they may affect the stability of the braces or make cleaning more difficult. This time, we will compile a list of the types of food that should be avoided:

Contraindications for braces

First of all, it is important to understand that both traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are precision components. If they are subjected to undue impact, they may loosen and deform, affecting the progress of orthodontic treatment, so it is important to pay close attention to your diet during the treatment period.

Hard foods: nuts, guava, etc.

Hard foods are not only nuts or guava, but also ice, hard candies, ribs and crab. These foods require strong biting force, which can cause the braces to loosen or become deformed, and can also lead to discomfort in the teeth.

Sticky food: mochi, maltose, etc.

Sticky foods such as mochi, maltose, chewing gums and gummy bears can easily stick between braces and teeth, which is not only difficult to clean, but can also lead to tooth decay.

Foods that are easily coloured: curry, spaghetti with squid ink, etc.

If you are wearing clear ceramic braces or invisible braces, you need to pay special attention to foods that are prone to staining. 

For example, curry, ketchup, red wine, coffee, strong tea, etc., the colouring of which is more likely to adhere to the braces or teeth. Although this will not affect the results of orthodontic treatment, it is recommended to avoid taking them in order to keep your teeth white during the treatment.

Fibre-rich foods: celery, lettuce, etc.

Some fibre-rich vegetables such as parsley, watercress, cornichons and enoki mushrooms are good for your health, but these fibres can easily get stuck between the braces and the wires during braces. 

This does not mean that they should not be eaten at all. It is advisable to chop them up when cooking or choose vegetables with shorter fibres to make them easier to chew and clean.

Foods high in sugar: cakes, sweets, etc.

All high-sugar foods such as cakes, biscuits, candies, soft drinks, fruit juices, etc. are hotbeds for bacteria.

With braces, the surface of the teeth is more prone to build up food residues due to the obstruction of the orthodontic appliance. The risk of tooth decay will be greatly increased if high sugar content is consumed on a regular basis.

How long does it take to have a normal diet with braces?What to eat with braces？

In fact, you can eat normally right after braces are put on, but you need to pay more attention to your food choices. 

It is normal for your teeth to feel sore and uncomfortable during the first few days of wearing braces, and choosing the right foods is especially important during this adjustment period.

What can I eat if I have just put on braces?

During the first few days of braces application, it is recommended to eat soft or liquid food.

Teeth are more sensitive during this period, and foods that are too hard or require hard chewing may cause discomfort. Milk, cheese, congee, steamed eggs, tofu, etc. can be prepared for easy swallowing and provide sufficient nutrients.

Choosing softer foods in the early stages of correction

At the beginning of the treatment, it is recommended to choose foods that are soft in texture and easy to chew and swallow:

• Staple food: congee, rice noodle, rice stew, mashed potato, sweet potato, mashed pumpkin.
• Meat: Steamed fish, free range pork, eggs, tofu, tofu puffs.
• Vegetables: Vegetables cooked until tender, minced vegetables.
• Fruits: banana, papaya, avocado, ripe mango, peeled apple puree.
• Others: cheese, pudding, cheese, ice-cream (without nuts and hard cubes).

These soft foods are easy to bite off, easing the burden on your teeth while ensuring you get the nutrients you need.

Orthodontic Food Recommendation: White Meat Instead of Red Meat

When choosing meat, it is advisable to replace red meat with white meat initially. Common white meats, such as fish and chicken, are finer in fibre and softer in texture, making them easier to chew after cooking.

Remember the 5 principles of braces and enjoy your food with ease!

Although braces require more attention to diet, it does not mean that you have to cut off from food. As long as you know the following principles, you can still enjoy the food easily and make the orthodontic process less painful.

Choose soft foods

This is the first rule! Whether it's a staple food, meat, vegetables or fruits, try to choose foods that are cooked until they are tender or have a softer texture.

Cutting of food into small pieces

Even if the food itself is not hard, it is advisable to cut it into small pieces before consumption.

This not only reduces the burden of chewing on the teeth, but also prevents large pieces of food from loosening the braces or distorting the wires, making the eating process easier and more elegant.

Chewing and Swallowing

Chewing food carefully until it is well ground before swallowing reduces the chance of food residue getting stuck on the braces, and allows you to taste the food better, which helps digestion and prevents the braces from scratching the mouth or causing discomfort due to eating too quickly.

Remember to stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water can help flush food debris out of your mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

A few sips of water, especially after a meal, will initially clean your teeth and braces and prepare them for the cleaning that follows.

Avoid food that is too hot or too cold

Eating foods that are too hot or too cold during orthodontic treatment may cause discomfort to your teeth.

Especially in the early stages, try to avoid eating ice-cream fresh from the fridge or food that is too hot to be cooked, and wait until the food is at the right temperature to make it more comfortable for your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on eating with Invisalign braces?

Invisalign braces are worn differently than traditional braces. Invisalign braces can be removed during eating and put back on after eating.

Although there are no dietary restrictions on Invisalign braces, in order to maintain good results, it is important to clean the braces after each meal before putting them back on, and to ensure that they are worn for a sufficient number of hours each day to achieve the desired results.

Can I have a drink with my braces?

Most beverages can be consumed during braces, but special attention should be paid to the details!

Sugar-containing beverages are prone to tooth decay, and sugar can get stuck around braces, making cleaning more difficult. It is recommended to drink through a drinking straw and rinse or brush your teeth immediately after drinking to minimise plaque build-up.

Conclusion

Dietary control during braces may seem tedious, but it is a key factor in ensuring the smooth completion of your orthodontic treatment. If you have any concerns about your diet or daily care, it is always advisable to consult your primary care dentist for the most professional advice.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain any invitation or solicitation. Patients should seek professional diagnosis and treatment for their conditions. For further information or to make an appointment, it is advisable to contact the relevant clinic directly. Please take care in choosing the right dental service and clinic.