Our Chapel Hill NC orthodontist believes that your journey to optimal dental health and your brightest smile should be one full of enjoyment. It is very important that orthodontic appliances are properly cared for during treatment. Broken brackets can cause unnecessary appointments and will lengthen treatment time.
One of the most frequent questions we receive is, what can I eat? While it is important not to indulge in hard, sticky foods such as ice and hard candies, there are plenty of options that you can enjoy. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy some of our favorite braces-friendly snacks.
Chapel Hill NC Orthodontist – Snacking
SWEET SNACKS
Donuts: That’s right! Donuts (without nuts or sprinkles) are a great soft treat for you to enjoy.
Pancakes: Pancakes are soft and easy to prepare. Just take it easy on the syrup.
SAVORY SNACKS
SOUP: As weather gets cool, there is nothing better than a big bowl of delicious soup. It is soft, warm and easy to eat.
SOFT SHELLS: You can still enjoy pasta, especially soft shells. Broccoli and cheese shells are known to be a crowd pleaser and braces friendly.
AVOCADO: Slices of avocado with a bit of sea salt and black pepper on a piece of soft toast is a good snack option that doesn’t require much chewing.
COOL SNACKS
SMOOTHIES: Smoothies are also great for post-appointment days. It can help take the edge off after an adjustment.
YOGURT: When snack time calls, yogurt is the perfect answer. It is cool, delicious, and a protein-packed snack.
FRUITS AND VEGGIES
FRUIT: Fruit is an excellent healthy snack. You just need to avoid biting into hard fruits such as whole apples. You can still eat them if they are cut into smaller pieces or if you choose a softer variety. Citrus fruits are soft to chew and high in vitamin C and calcium. Other soft fruits that won’t cause damage are bananas, berries, grapes, kiwi fruit, and melons.
VEGETABLES: While you should avoid raw vegetables like carrots and celery, steamed versions of the same make great options for snacks while wearing braces. Baked vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini are strong ideas to mix in for variety.
CRUNCHY SNACKS
Not all crunchy foods are bad; you just need to limit the crunch. Walnuts are a softer nut that can normally be eaten safely. Small crackers or potato chips can satisfy the craving for crunchy and salty snacks, too. You can also allow pieces to dissolve slightly in your mouth before chewing, to reduce any risk.
Chapel Hill NC Orthodontist Is Here For You
If you have any questions about safe snacks, do not hesitate to ask our 5-star-rated Chapel Hill orthodontist. We take pride in walking through this process with you. Call Wilson Orthodontics any time, and our staff will be ready to assist you.
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 location near Chapel Hill NC, by clicking here or by calling 919.383.7423.