A Braces Friendly Balanced Diet
The food you choose to eat affects not just your overall health, but your dental health too! Making the right food choices and eating healthy will keep both your body and your teeth strong. Having braces can make you feel like you’re limited when it comes to food choices, but it’s important that you maintain a balanced diet.
So, what should you be eating?
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates should make up ¼ of your total energy requirement for the day. Carbohydrates are an easy group for those with braces because most grain, corn and rice products are soft and easy to chew!
Dairy Products:
Milk and dairy products should make up another ¼ of your total dietary needs. Strong bones and teeth rely on a diet that is rich in calcium, a mineral found in dairy products. Dairy products are also a good source of vitamin D, potassium, and protein. Dairy products are an easy choice for those with braces because they’re soft and don’t require much chewing. To get your needed calcium, vitamin D, and protein, try incorporating milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese into your diet!
Fruits & Vegetables:
Vegetables should also compose another ¼ of your diet. Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals for growing bodies. Though vegetables can be a challenge for those with braces, they can be cooked and mashed for easier eating, as well as cut into smaller bite-size pieces.
Fruits for those with braces can be quite challenging! Hard fruits can be difficult to bite into with your brace brackets. Remember to cut hard fruits into small bite-size pieces. After an orthodontic appointment, opt for soft fruits like berries or bananas, they’re easy to chew and shouldn’t get caught in your braces!
Lean Proteins:
Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Try and vary your protein choices to include eggs, beans, peas and legumes, too. With braces, remember to avoid eating any meat from the bone.
Always avoid foods that can interfere with your braces or bend your wires! You should be avoiding foods such as nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice, and sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing are crucial for those with braces. For an overall healthier body and teeth, remember to eat a balanced diet, avoid foods that could damage your braces, and brush and floss regularly!