Many orthodontics patients with braces are unsure of what foods are restricted in their diets. Many also believe the list of foods to avoid is longer than it actually is. Dr. Jenny Yoo-Park DMD, MS and Dr. Lesley Samuels, DDS of Palo-Alto Orthodontics
shares some ideas about what foods are safely enjoyed and which foods are best to avoid eating while wearing braces or during orthodontic treatment near Atherton CA.
It is true that during your treatment with braces there are limitations on what you can eat. But the time (and money) invested with braces is well worth coping with these limitations. The payoff is a perfectly straight, healthy, and attractive smile.
What foods can be enjoyed during your treatment?
There are many delicious food options that can be eaten while wearing braces near Atherton CA including:
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Cheese
- Pasta
- Mashed Potatoes
Dr. Jenny Yoo-Park DMD, MS and Dr. Lesley Samuels, DDS wants to make sure that every patient with braces eats healthy food and gets enough daily nutrients. Here are some meal ideas that are safe for patients who are wearing braces. Perhaps there is a family favorite among some of these delicious meal options:
- Lasagna. Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.
- Grilled Chicken and Vegetables. While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, deboned meats like chicken breast can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli.
- Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup gives you many necessary nutrients because of the variety of ingredients that can be added. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.
What foods should be avoided?
While wearing braces, the three types of food that should be avoided are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of food should be avoided because they can get stuck in your braces easily and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Some food categories that should be avoided are:
- Gum
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Caramel
- Pretzels
- Raw vegetables
- Steak
- Hard candies
Some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided, however. Foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten safely.
There are many foods which are nutritious, delicious, and are friendly to your braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jenny Yoo-Park DMD, MS and Dr. Lesley Samuels, DDS and Palo-Alto Orthodontics near Atherton CA, or for more information, please call: 650-327-2310