When braces become a part of your everyday life, there are certain regimens our Raleigh NC orthodontist recommends to all of our patients. Brushing after every meal is one of them, along with avoiding certain foods, like corn on the cob and chewing gum. The goal is to get a healthy, straight smile at our Raleigh orthodontic office, and any food that’s hard or chewy runs the risk of loosening the wires on your braces and setting back any progress that’s been made.
Great Food for Braces from Our Raleigh NC Orthodontist
Although it’s important to heed professional advice and avoid certain foods, you might be surprised to learn all the foods that can help you achieve a healthy smile. Keep reading to learn more…
#1 – Fresh Pineapple
Fresh pineapple, without all the added sugars found in canned pineapple, is a sweet treat our Raleigh orthodontist suggests in place of sugary foods, like ice cream. Because pineapple contains many vitamins, like vitamin C, vitamin K, and bromelain, it assists in providing healthy gums and strengthening your teeth.
#2 – Watermelon
Watermelon is another fruit that can not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also benefit your mouth by strengthening your teeth and restoring enamel. A ripe watermelon is soft, which makes it easy to eat, plus it contains phosphorus and vitamin C, which work together to improve your oral health. Our Raleigh NC orthodontist suggests eating watermelon at room temperature, as cold temperatures can weaken the bonding on your braces.
#3 – Cooked Vegetables
Even though raw, crunchy vegetables can be detrimental to your braces, they’re still a vital part of any diet, with experts recommending at least three servings every day. Luckily, there are many ways to prepare vegetables in order to make them braces-friendly. Try steaming, boiling, or even roasting your vegetables in the oven. This will decrease their crunch while retaining the vitamins and nutrients needed for a balanced diet and healthy teeth.
Raleigh NC Orthodontist Is Here to Help You!
Need more food suggestions? Our Raleigh orthodontist is available and happy to help you plan a diet that’s not only full of foods you love, but also benefits your overall oral health.
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 near Raleigh NC, by clicking here or by calling 919.383.7423.