3 Foods to Avoid for Kids With Braces
Once you invest in teeth straightening for your child, there are certain maintenance routines you agree to undertake. Some of those tasks include monthly visits to the orthodontist, extra effort in cleaning, and some dietary changes. To avoid additional appointments for repairs, here are several foods for your child to steer clear of while wearing braces.
What Your Child With Braces Should Skip
Foods That Require Intensive Chewing & Biting
People usually bite with their incisors to tear food — and braces can make that a bit difficult. Foods you would normally bite into, such as pizza or sandwiches, should be cut into smaller pieces to make chewing easier. Also, avoid corn on the cob or other foods your child must bite to eat.
Sticky Treats
Say goodbye to gooey snacks while sporting braces. Sticky foods, such as caramel, gummy snacks, or chewing gum, can adhere to the brackets and wires on your child’s teeth — and popping a bracket means you have to visit the orthodontist to cement it back on.
Hard Foods
Though your child chews with their molars, hard food items can also loosen brackets and wires. Popcorn — especially the kernels — chips, nuts, apples, candies, and carrots can easily break an orthodontic appliance. If your child loves these snacks, cut them into tiny, manageable pieces.
Though crunchy treats are often preferred, offer your child plenty of pasta, yogurt, cheese, and soft potatoes. You can also provide a wide variety of fruits, such as berries and bananas, which are soft enough to prevent damage to orthodontic appliances. Hummus, pita bread, and olives are also filling, braces-friendly snacks.
Avoid seeing your child’s orthodontist more than necessary by skipping foods that can damage their braces. Hawaii Orthodontist in Honolulu works with patients of all ages to help them improve their smile through proven teeth straightening methods. Their knowledgeable, friendly staff can help walk you and your child through the orthodontic process, diet changes and all. Set up an appointment by calling (808) 947-3737 or visiting them online.
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