Broken brackets and wires can be uncomfortable experiences that prolong the time you wear braces. Our Durham NC orthodontist explains that setbacks and damages to braces are often avoidable by eating braces-friendly foods.
Durham NC Orthodontist – Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Do not be discouraged by the list of foods to avoid when wearing braces:
- Chewy foods like bagels & licorice
- Crunchy foods like chips & popcorn
- Foods you bite into like apples & corn on the cob
- Sticky foods like caramel & gum
- Hard foods like nuts & candy
Your culinary experiences while wearing braces do not have to consist of only Jell-O and applesauce, though. On the contrary, the list of options is extensive when you focus on foods you can have rather than those you cannot.
Try these braces-friendly lunch recipes from our orthodontist in Durham to keep lunch enjoyable and variety in your diet!
3 Braces-Friendly Lunch Recipes from Our Durham NC Orthodontist
#1 – Southwest Pasta Salad
Who said braces-friendly lunch recipes had to be bland? There’s no shortage of flavor in this Southwest Pasta Salad! You can warm it up or enjoy it chilled. This pasta salad is a great example of the variety of textures and tastes that braces-friendly pasta dishes can bring to life. Egg and chicken salads are also recipes that allow for lots of flavor without posing a threat to your braces.
#2 – Smoothies
Smoothies are the perfect braces-friendly lunch recipes, particularly just after your braces are applied. Our orthodontist in Durham knows your teeth may be sore at first, and chewing may be uncomfortable. Explore these 5 smoothie recipes to ensure you are consuming all the nutrients you need to power through your day. Not to mention, smoothies are perfect, portable lunches when you are on the go!
#3 – Loaded Baked Potatoes
For a braces-friendly lunch recipe that will keep you full until dinner, try this loaded baked potato! The best part about baked potatoes is that you can customize the toppings to your liking. Our orthodontist in Durham NC recommends baked potatoes as a braces-friendly, softer substitute for crunchy potato chips. You can also cook baked potatoes the night before and reheat them in the microwave for a quick lunch!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Wilson Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office located near Durham NC, by calling 919.383.7423.