Summer Foods to Enjoy & Avoid with Braces  

Summer is officially right around the corner! If you’re like most, you’re probably looking forward to indulging in all your favorite tasty seasonal treats in the coming months. However, those who are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment may be wondering if there are any restrictions they should know about. While there are many delicious summer foods you can enjoy with braces, there are also a few items you should avoid. Read on to learn more from your orthodontist in Dallas about what you can eat during the sunny season.

Summer Foods to Avoid

Eating the wrong food can throw a wrench in your summer plans which is why you should be mindful of your dietary choices. That said, here are a few summer foods you should avoid:

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Even though fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, biting into them can damage your brackets or wires. Raw foods like pears, apples, carrots, and corn on the cob are hard and can cost you an additional trip to your orthodontist’s office. As long as they are cooked beforehand to make them soft, you can safely incorporate them into your diet.

Crunchy Grains

Although most grains are soft and easy to chew, some can cause issues. Hard crusty bread, bagels, and crackers can easily become embedded in your metal braces. You should take a few seconds to warm up bread in the microwave to make it soft and easy to consume.

Meat on the Bone

Are you looking forward to all the summer cookouts and barbecues? They usually offer several delicious meat dishes, some of which can be hard on your braces. Foods like beef, pork ribs, turkey legs, and chicken wings can get stuck in your teeth or loosen bands. Luckily, you can still enjoy these meats as long as you cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Summer Foods You Can Enjoy

There are several mouth-watering summer foods you can enjoy even if you have braces! For example, you can indulge in the following treats without having to worry about them hampering your orthodontic treatment:

• Fresh-fruit smoothies
• Ice cream shakes and malts
• Macaroni and cheese
• Watermelon
• Popsicles and fudgesicles
• Cooked or grilled vegetables
• Soft pastries

Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to hold you back this season. By choosing the right summer foods, you can ensure your smile stays stellar and damage-free!

About the Author

Dr. Patricia Simon earned her dental doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She did her orthodontic residency at Boston University and has been practicing orthodontics for more than 25 years. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. If you are interested in traditional braces, Dr. Simon can help teens and adults, plus dental insurance is accepted. Schedule a consultation on her website or call (214) 826-9000.