Best Foods to Eat With Braces

You or your child will soon start orthodontic treatment with Dr. A. Stuart Loos, Canton orthodontist. You'll be on your way to a straighter, better-looking smile, and you'll avoid oral health problems, too: TMJ dysfunction from a poor bite, tooth decay and worn enamel. Once you've complete treatment, you'll find it easier to brush and floss and also to receive professional dental cleanings.

You've heard lots of stories about what you can and cannot eat when you are wearing braces, and you want to avoid the gum disease, tooth decay and "hardware" damage that comes from eating the wrong foods. So, what are the best foods to eat with braces? Here are some diet do's and don'ts for individuals with braces.

Do Eat Healthy Foods

Basically, what's good for your weight and waistline is good for your teeth, too. Best choices include:

• low-fat dairy such as skim milk, yogurt and softer cheeses
• whole grain breads, muffins, tortillas and rolls
• lean meats and seafood such as meatballs, flaked tuna, broiled fish
• fresh vegetables that are not overly fibrous--tomatoes, citrus fruits, peaches, grapes
• softer fresh and cooked vegetables such as peas, mashed potatoes and yams
• grains such as pasta and brown rice

In addition, drink plenty of water as good hydration keeps gum tissues healthy and rinses food residues off teeth, gums and orthodontic hardware. Milk and fruit juice are good choices as they provide important nutrients and are a source of good calories when teeth are sore from orthodontic adjustments. In fact, going softer on foods just after getting braces or after a big adjustment to oral appliances soothes irritated tissues and dental discomfort.

Don't Eat Junk or Hard Food

Avoid junk food when undergoing orthodontic treatment. That means no sugary soda pop and sticky foods such as taffy or caramels. The American Dental Association states that these foods also stain teeth. Hard foods such as nuts, pretzels, celery, carrots, and corn on the cob aren't bad in and of themselves, but combine them with traditional wire and bracket braces, and you'll quickly have broken wires and loose brackets. Many highly textured foods simply get stuck in hardware, encouraging tooth decay. While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, biting into this popular fruit can do some damage. So, cut apples into small pieces, or enjoy apple sauce.

Isn't There Another Way?

The most complex orthodontic cases require conventional appliances. However, people with simpler treatment needs often qualify for plastic aligner systems such as Invisalign. Older teens and adults enjoy the practically invisible look of these innovative appliances. Also, the aligners are removable for hygiene and eating. So, patients basically have no dietary restrictions.

Contact A. Stuart Loos DDS

Dr. Loos and his staff will be happy to educate you about wise food choices and braces. After all, a healthy, straight smile is a team effort. Call Dr. Loos at his Canton orthodontics office with any questions and concerns you may have regarding nutrition and braces: (770) 345-8300.