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Five foods you need to avoid with fitted orthodontics

Braces are one of the most recognisable dental treatments that are used to correct misalignments on the upper and lower arch to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. However, wearing fitted braces requires some adjustments in your diet to protect the orthodontic appliances and ensure the treatment progresses smoothly. Certain foods can pose a risk of damaging the braces, delaying the treatment process, and causing discomfort.

When you come to see our team at Navan Dental, we will talk you through how to care for your braces via hygiene and food habits. Orthodontics Navan can be more simple than you think, and we will always ensure that you get the most out of wearing a fitted appliance.

In this article, our team at Navan Dental will discuss five foods that need to be avoided when undertaking orthodontics Navan.

Chewy and sticky sweets

Chewy and sticky sweets, such as caramels, taffy, gummies, and toffees, should be completely avoided when wearing fitted orthodontics Navan. These sweet treats can easily get lodged between brackets and wires, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and plaque. Additionally, their sticky nature can pull at the braces, causing them to become dislodged or bent, which might require an emergency visit to your orthodontist. Opt for braces-friendly alternatives like sugar-free gum or soft chocolates in moderation to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Hard and crunchy snacks

Hard and crunchy snacks like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and nuts can also be detrimental to braces. Biting down on these foods can exert excessive pressure on your braces, potentially leading to bracket breakage or wire bending. Furthermore, hard snacks have a tendency to splinter, and small fragments can become trapped in your braces, causing irritation or damage to your gums and cheeks. Instead, choose softer options like yogurt, bananas, applesauce, or thinly sliced fruits and vegetables.

Tough meats and sticky foods

When you have braces, it's crucial to be mindful of the texture of the foods you consume. Tough meats, such as steak and jerky, require substantial chewing and can strain the braces. Additionally, sticky foods like chewing gum or sticky sweets can adhere to the braces, hindering their effectiveness and leading to hygiene issues. To enjoy protein-rich foods without putting your braces at risk, consider opting for tender cuts of meat, fish, eggs, and tofu.

Carbonated and sugary beverages

Carbonated and sugary beverages, including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices, can be particularly harmful to your braces. Not only are these drinks highly acidic, which can erode tooth enamel, but they also contain high sugar content that encourages plaque to build up and tooth decay. Moreover, the dark pigments in some beverages can cause teeth staining, making it more challenging to maintain a uniform appearance after braces removal. For a refreshing and braces-friendly alternative, choose water or unsweetened herbal teas.

Corn on the cob and whole apples

While vegetables and fruits are essential for a balanced diet, certain varieties can pose challenges for those wearing braces. Corn on the cob and whole apples are examples of foods that can be problematic. Biting directly into these hard and crunchy foods can place undue pressure on the braces and risk damaging the brackets or wires. However, you don't have to eliminate them from your diet altogether. Instead, cut corn kernels off the cob and slice apples into bite-sized pieces for a safer and more braces-friendly eating experience.