So you’ve heard the list of things you shouldn’t eat while you have braces. Some may be tasty treats that, if you’re being honest with yourself, you probably shouldn’t really be eating often anyway. Other foods like nuts and crunchy fruits and vegetables are healthy for your body, but not so great for your braces. The foods you eat can have an impact on the health of your teeth, so what sorts of tooth-healthy foods can you still eat?
Dairy Products
There are a few vitamins and minerals that are crucial to the health of your teeth, one of which is calcium. Dairy products are well known for their calcium content. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are soft, which means they’re safe for braces. They’re also rich in things like calcium and phosphate, which can all help protect the health of your teeth. Chewing cheese also increases your saliva production, which further protects your teeth.
Fish
Getting the protein you need is crucial to your health. Tougher proteins are a no-go with braces though, which means tender seafood is an excellent choice. Fatty fishes like tuna and salmon have phosphorus, which helps protect enamel. As with chewing cheese, the chewing action you do when you eat fish will help you salivate, reducing the level of acidity in your mouth and helping wash away food particles.
Fresh Fruits
Some fresh fruits can be tough to eat with braces, but that doesn’t mean that all fruits are off limits. Softer fruits like oranges, kiwis, and blueberries can be good to eat with braces. The high vitamin C and antioxidant quantities can help promote tissue health and protect against tooth-damaging microorganisms. Just make sure to follow up with water. Some fruits can stain your teeth, which can be especially apparent once your braces have been removed. Drinking water after you eat can help remove food particles the same way that increasing your saliva production can
While there are some foods that would normally be good to eat but can cause problems for braces, there are still plenty of options out there that are fine for both. Things like dairy products, fish, and fresh fruits can be both safe to eat with braces and good for your teeth. Enjoy these and other nutritious, tasty foods along with the benefits that come from their consumption.
Not sure when the right time to get braces is? Check this out next to get some answers: When Is the Best Time to Get Braces?