Proper Dietary Guidelines for Braces

It happens to be a little known fact that dental braces date back to the era of Ancient Egypt. Even the bygone pharaohs of the massive, antiquated culture were driven to attain a faultless set of teeth. Though their techniques were not the most refined – they used crude intestines to wrap around teeth – it cannot be denied that humankind has always had a fixation with the perfect smile.

Today, approximately 4 million people in the United States alone use orthodontic braces. 25% of this total number are adults. Whether to close gaps, realign teeth, or push back an overbite – more and more people today have the confidence and trust to put their faith in braces.

If you happen to be one of the 33% of people globally who have undergone dental treatment – such as getting braces – then you need to follow strict dietary guidelines. These lists outline all the types of food and drink which are permissible or recommended for those people with braces. Not only can unseemly and painful bits of certain foods get stuck in the wiring of the braces, but some materials may not help with the initial ache of getting a set of braces affixed to your teeth.

Recommended

Cereals and grains are recommended. These deliver the necessary carbohydrates and energy required for your body to function optimally. These include softened bread and cereal. Pasta and noodles are also good options, and you can season them with any sauce of your choice.

Slow-cooking rice can result in a dish that is soft enough to be easy on the braces. Potatoes are also packed with carbohydrates, and can be consumed if they have been boiled or mashed.

For necessary protein, always consume soft meats, with no bones. Deli slices, cold cuts, even a rare-done steak is a good option. Just as long as the meat itself is soft and easy to swallow without too much chewing.

Consume soft cheese, yogurt, eggs, ice cream (without nuts), pudding, jelly, or soup. All vegetables should be steamed thoroughly before being eaten, and soft fruits such as bananas, grapes, oranges, or berries are the right choice.

Forbidden

The instructions are clear: nothing chewy, nothing hard, and nothing sticky. This places a blanket-ban on toffees, hard meats, various nuts, raw vegetables, and certain fruits. No chewing gums, or pretzels. No popcorn, pizza crusts, croutons, or ice cubes. This eliminates most junk food from any diet.

Do not opt for tough meats, such as beef or chicken, unless they can be softened or boiled. Furthermore, raw vegetables are also strongly advised against, as are certain fruits that are hard to bite into, such as apples or peaches.

Even though this diet forbids your favorite chocolate-chip cookie, or a bag of chips, you can take some foods in moderation. These include oatmeal, crunchy granola bars, pizzas, raw vegetables, and hard fruits. These must be consumed in bite-sized portions, and teeth should be brushed or rinsed immediately after.

In Conclusion

The most your dentist or orthodontist can do is chart out a guideline for your dietary intake. These are all the food that you are allowed to consume. This list of recommendations should be strictly followed after one gets braces; failure to follow these guidelines may disrupt the treatment, or misalign the wires and brackets of the braces.

Follow the proper dietary guideline and be on your way to attain the perfect set of teeth!

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