One of the best things about summer is all the delicious foods that are available! Whether you are savoring tasty meats at a friend’s backyard barbecue or indulging in a sweet, cold treat, there are countless options for enjoying seasonal flavors. Of course, you still need to think about your smile’s health when you are making dietary choices. Extra caution is necessary if you have braces. Which summertime foods can you eat with braces, and which ones would it be better to avoid? This blog post provides some helpful guidance.
Summer Foods That Are Safe for Braces
One of the most important things to remember when you are deciding what to eat is that you do not want to damage your braces or your teeth. Soft, easy to chew foods are usually quite safe. Here are some examples:
- Chili
- Beans
- Macaroni salad
- French fries
- Hot dogs
- Burgers
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Jello
- Seedless watermelon and other soft fruits
Summer Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain summer foods might damage your braces or cause harm to your oral health. Here are some items that it would be best to avoid or limit:
- Corn on the cob. Biting into this could damage your braces. Use a knife to cut the corn off the cob before you eat it.
- Pretzels and corn chips. These hard, salty treats could pop a wire loose!
- Popcorn. Popcorn could get stuck around your brackets and wires, and unpopped kernels could even cause significant damage to both your teeth and orthodontic gear. Thin potato chips and soft cookies are safer snacks for summertime movie nights.
- Sticky sweets. Treats like caramels and taffy might get stuck in your braces and cause damage.
- Raw vegetables. Even though raw veggies are tasty and nutritious, some of them have a hard texture that is not good for braces. It is best to enjoy grilled or roasted veggies instead.
- Tough and chewy meats. Some cuts of meat require a lot of chewing, and they can get caught in your braces. It is best to opt for tender options, like boneless fish or barbecued chicken.
You do not have to worry that braces will stop you from eating delicious foods! If you make wise eating choices, you can enjoy a tasty and safe summer season.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Venn Peterson and Spenser Cammack are proud to provide a broad range of services for the Lacey community. If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, we would be happy to answer your questions. We offer both traditional braces and advanced SureSmile clear aligners. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 360-459-4420.