subject: What To Eat When You Have Braces On [print this page] As with all devices, braces are not indestructible. Bad eating habits can damage brackets or archwires. And so can the wrong kind of food. There are food types that arent appropriate when you have braces on. However, this list will contain some of the more suitable types of food that you can eat.
There are several kinds of dental braces that can withstand the everyday grind of chewing and eating. The most durable of these is probably the traditional metal braces. These braces are made of metal brackets with metal archwires which can resist the forces that chewing and hard food exert on them. Other types like ceramic braces and clear braces are not so sturdy. Whatever the type, one should properly care for his dental braces by eating suitable food types.
1. Drinks and beverages These are perfect for when you first have your braces placed. Of course you aren't going to survive on liquids alone but in those first few days when your teeth are sore if you don't feel up to eating too much you can up your nutrient and kilojoule intake by adding lots of milk shakes, fruit smoothies, protein shakes and other health drinks. Don't rely on nutrient-empty drinks which often contain damaging acid such as soft drinks or sports drinks.
2. Liquid foods Soups and other food with liquid-like consistency can also be consumed by people with braces. This type of food has more nutrients than most beverages, especially if someone would take the time to make vegetable soup or puree fruits and vegetables. In any case, the liquid consistency will pose no problems for the braces. Some suitable examples of this type of food are gumbos, soups and fruit and vegetable purees.
3. Soft foods Gelatin and porridge are examples of foods in this category. They are naturally soft foods or cooked to become soft. Casseroles cooked with meat and vegetables are a fabulous option. Soft cooked fluffy rice and potatoes are a great accompaniment to such casseroles. Other examples in this category include pasta, oriental noodles, rice porridge, beans and boiled eggs.
4. Altered foods In those first few days if you have a specific craving you can always cut the food up as small as possible and go for it. Take heart in the knowledge that once the initial discomfort has settled down you will be back to eating as normal. Only extremely hard or sticky things need to be avoided once you are comfortable again.
