When you get braces, your orthodontist will advise you to consume foods that are soft but not sticky. Softer foods are less likely to dent parts of your braces or get trapped in them, which would increase your risk of tooth decay. However, that still gives you many delicious options, including those below.

What Can You Enjoy Eating With Braces?

1. Milkshakes

Milk is a useful source of calcium, which strengthens your teeth’s enamel. Enamel protects against decay, temperature sensitivity, and erosion. Therefore, get out your blender, milk, your favorite ice cream, and make yourself a milkshake. 

Because sugar is food for bacteria in your mouth and can, thus, cause decay, consider opting for a sugar-free or low-sugar option. You can also try making your milkshake without icecream or with teeth-friendly fruits like strawberries or peaches. Regardless, rinsing out your mouth with water afterward is useful for dislodging lingering food particles and sweetness.

2. Pasta

From penne to spaghetti to tagliatelle, there’s no shortage of options. Since it’s not sticky or chewy, it’s a tasty and safe option for those with braces. Add cheese to your pasta for a dairy teeth-strengthening boost. Furthermore, the phosphate and calcium in cheese will help balance the pH levels in your mouth to protect tooth enamel.

Because pasta is typically a refined carbohydrate made from white flour, it will break down into simple sugar and attract oral bacteria. Therefore, from time to time, pick whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta to protect your teeth.

3. Fruit Salad

Hard fruits, like apples and apricots, can harm your braces. However, if you make a fruit salad, you can cut up fruits into manageable bites and enjoy a dish that’s not only fun to eat but can improve your smile.

Apples, in bite-sized pieces and chewed with your back teeth, will stimulate saliva and naturally scrub your enamel. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are soft and easy to chew. Many of these fruits are also high in vitamin C. This helps build resilient teeth and gums.

Elevate your smile with help from Delgado Orthodontics, located in North Richland Hills, TX, and serving the Tarrant County region. Patients of all ages can depend on their dental solutions including braces, Invisalign®, and retainers. They’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your goals and budget. They’ll also walk you through each procedure, so you’ll always feel informed and comfortable asking questions. To make an appointment with an orthodontist, call (817) 282-1821. Learn more about treatment on their website.