As we enter the warm, sunny months and people begin to get time off from work and school, you can expect to see a few invitations to summer parties. You may even be throwing one yourself! When people think of summer they often conjure images of backyard barbecues, crunchy potato chips, and lots of berries. Unfortunately, if you have braces you may not be able to partake in these typical summer snacks.
When you start your treatment your dentist should make it clear which foods you can eat with braces. Generally, you should stick to small, soft foods that won’t get stuck in your teeth or damage the wires themselves. If you were imagining barbecue ribs and corn on the cob, you might have to rethink your summer meal plan. Some of the most popular summer foods are on the top of the list of foods to avoid with braces. However, with a little planning you can find braces-friendly-foods for your picnic or BBQ party.
Dig in
Eating BBQ with braces isn’t totally out of the question, but you have to be careful about what you eat. Avoid large pieces of meat and more stringy or tough selections like pulled pork or a well-done steak. These can easily leave debris in your teeth and braces and potentially damage the brackets. Stick to boneless meat cut into small pieces, or throw a few thin burgers on the grill.
Besides meats, you can expect to find a variety of fruits, vegetables, and prepackaged snacks at a summer barbecue. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, stay away from anything too crunchy. Whole apples and carrots are off the table, but softer and smaller pieces are much more manageable for people with braces. You may be tempted by chips and popcorn and pretzels but, unfortunately, those can be dangerous for braces as well.
Enjoy your summer
Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a summer BBQ party. There are plenty of snack and meal options that are easy to eat with braces, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite treats while you get straighter teeth.
If the food restrictions associated with braces are too much for you to manage, there are other options. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that allows you to eat normally due to a system of removable aligners. Contact us or an Orthodontist near you to find out if Invisalign is an option for you. Curious about playing sports or swimming with Invisalign or other braces? Just contact Dr. Paz’s team for answers then enjoy your summer to the fullest while taking care of your oral health.