Yes, it is sadly true that during your braces treatment, there are limitations on what you can eat. While many are reluctant to give up their favorite foods, the sacrifice for the time with braces is well worth the long-lasted smile which will be achieved. Many patients are also ill-informed on what foods are restricted with braces and believe the list is longer than it actually is. The truth is, there are many alternatives and foods still available to eat with braces! Dr. Jenny Yoo-Park of Palo Alto Orthodontics is here to share exactly what foods are allowed while having braces and what the best foods to eat during your braces treatment are near Mountain View, CA.
Why are some foods limited?
Before diving into the list of foods which should be avoided and the list of the best foods to eat during your braces treatment, Dr. Yoo believes it is important for patients to know why these foods should be avoided. The three main food groups which should be avoided with braces are hard foods, sticky foods, and chewy foods. These foods should be avoided because they are can break your braces which can cause pain to the patient. These food groups can also get easily stuck in your braces and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Softer foods also soothe your braces if they are pained and can bring comfort to a patient.
What foods should be avoided?
The three main food groups which should be avoided while treatment with braces are hard foods, sticky foods, and chewy foods. Some of the main dishes included in these categories which should be avoided are:
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Gum
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Popcorn
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Ice
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Caramel
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Pretzels
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Raw vegetables
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Steak
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Hard candies
However, some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided. Foods such as vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten.
What are the best foods to eat during your braces treatment?
While many patients focus on the negatives and what foods to avoid, there are many delicious options for foods which can be eaten and actually helpful towards braces. The best foods to eat during your braces treatment near Mountain View, CA include:
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Bananas
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Yogurt
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Soup
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Cheese
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Pasta
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Mashed Potatoes
There are also many complete dishes which can still be enjoyed during your braces treatment. Some of these delicious meals include:
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Lasagna: Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.
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Grilled Chicken and Vegetables: While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, meat and chicken which is boneless can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables, such as broccoli, which are also good for your braces.
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Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup gives you many needed nutrients because of the chicken and vegetables which are included. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.
Dr. Yoo wants to make sure that each and every one of our patients with braces, and even those without, eats healthy and gets enough daily nutrients. Along with this, it is important to be careful of the foods you eat during your treatment with braces as some can damage your braces or prolong your treatment. However, there are many foods which are great in nutrition, taste delicious, and are good for your braces. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jenny Yoo-Park and Palo Alto Orthodontics near Mountain View, CA, please visit our office or call us today at 650-327-2310.