8 Braces-Friendly Foods to Enjoy This Summer & Some to Avoid

As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s the perfect time to enjoy delicious and refreshing foods. If you’re sporting braces, it’s important to choose your summer snacks wisely to keep your treatment on track and avoid any mishaps. Let’s explore some braces-friendly foods that you can indulge in this season, and highlight a few you might want to steer clear of.

Braces-Friendly Foods to Enjoy

Fresh Fruits (Cut into Small Pieces)

• Examples: Apples (sliced thinly), berries, melons.
• Why They’re Good: Fresh fruits are packed with vitamins and are generally soft on your braces if cut into small, manageable pieces. They also make for refreshing snacks that help keep you hydrated in the summer heat.

Yogurt

• Why It’s Great: Yogurt is soft and smooth, making it an excellent choice for anyone with braces. It’s also a good source of calcium and probiotics, which are beneficial for oral health.

Soft Cooked Vegetables

• Examples: Carrots (steamed), corn (cut off the cob), spinach.
• Why They’re Good: Cooked vegetables are much easier on your braces compared to raw ones. They’re nutritious and versatile, and can be seasoned to taste.

Pasta and Noodles

• Why They’re Great: Pasta and noodles are soft and won’t damage your braces. Opt for whole-grain varieties or those with less sauce to keep things healthy.

Ice Cream and Smoothies

• Why They’re a Treat: Ice cream and smoothies can be enjoyed without discomfort. Just avoid anything with nuts or hard candy pieces that might get stuck in your braces.

Mashed Potatoes

• Why They’re Ideal: Mashed potatoes are soft and easy to eat, making them a great comfort food for braces wearers. They’re also filling and versatile.

Soft Cheese

• Examples: Cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta.
• Why It’s Good: Soft cheeses are gentle on braces and can be a tasty addition to sandwiches or crackers. They also offer a nice protein boost.

Soft Bread and Tortillas

• Why They’re Great: Soft bread and tortillas are easy to chew and less likely to cause damage to your braces compared to crusty bread.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Hard and Crunchy Snacks

• Examples: Nuts, popcorn, hard pretzels.
• Why to Avoid: Hard and crunchy snacks can damage your braces or break a bracket. They’re also more challenging to clean from between your teeth. Popcorn kernels can lodge between bands and brackets causing gum infection.

Sticky Foods

• Examples: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum.
• Why to Avoid: Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces, slide wires around, and become difficult to remove. This increases the risk of plaque buildup and potential damage.

Hard Fruits and Vegetables (Raw, uncut)

• Examples: Apples, raw carrots.
• Why to Avoid: You can have these foods if you slice them thin! Cut hard fruits and vegetables into bite-friendly pieces- otherwise, they can be tough on your braces and may cause discomfort or damage.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

• Examples: Soda, sugary candies, sweetened iced tea.
• Why to Avoid: High sugar content can lead to plaque buildup and cavities, which can be problematic for anyone with braces.

With the right choices, you can enjoy a delicious summer without compromising your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions or need personalized advice on managing your braces, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible!

For more information about orthodontic services or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.