At the office of Dr. Ross Taddeo, we're proud to help patients throughout greater Orlando, FL achieve healthier smiles through high-quality orthodontic treatment. But in addition to the treatment we provide in our office, how you care for your teeth at home is vital to the success of treatment. One of the most important parts of taking care of your teeth and braces during treatment is your diet, as certain foods can pose a danger for both braces and teeth. Wondering what kind of foods you'll need to steer clear of? We're here to help.
Eating with Braces
During treatment with braces, you'll need to make many adjustments to your life, including dietary changes. This is because foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, gooey, or loaded with sugar can all pose a risk to your teeth. Hard and crunchy foods can break off brackets, and sticky foods can stick to wires and brackets, pulling at them and potentially causing damage. Sugary foods may not pose a direct threat to braces, but they can damage teeth, as bacteria in the mouth break down sugars into acids that attack tooth enamel. Avoiding sugary foods is a good idea for dental health in general, but because your teeth are at an increased risk for dental decay during treatment, it's especially important during treatment.
Still not clear on the foods you need to avoid? Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common foods you'll need to steer clear of.
Hard Foods to Avoid:
- Nuts
- Ice
- Corn on the cob
- Raw apples or carrots
- Hard candies
- French bread or bread with a hard crust
- Croutons
- Popcorn
- Ice
Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Caramels
- Gum
- Sugar Daddies
- Sticky Candies
Sugary Foods to Minimize:
Schedule a Consultation for Braces in Orlando
While this list isn't exhaustive, you can use it to get an idea of the kinds of foods you'll need to avoid during braces treatment. And remember, if this sounds too difficult, you can always opt for Invisalign treatment: Invisalign aligners are removed when eating, so they come with no dietary restrictions. No matter which treatment you choose, though, our Orlando orthodontist is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful new smile as quickly and conveniently as possible. Ready to get started? Contact us today!