When you wear braces, knowing what foods you can safely eat is a big part of your overall oral health. This knowledge can reduce your chances of getting something stuck in your braces and damaging them. If you want to achieve the beautiful smile you have always wanted begin this process with braces, here are five foods you can safely enjoy.

Vegetables

Wearing braces does not mean you must change your diet or eat foods that can harm your health. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function well. Do not avoid vegetables when you wear braces, but always cook or steam them before eating them. This will ensure that they are soft for your teeth and easy to chew.

Fruits

Fruits are “superfoods.” Like vegetables, they contain vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients that your body needs for optimum health. Fruits are convenient foods when you wear braces because most fruits. Because most of them are naturally soft, you do not have to cook or steam them like vegetables. Some raw fruits are hard, however, so use caution when you try a fruit for the first time. Feel its texture before taking a bite.

Meats

Meats, especially fish and other seafood, are safe to eat with braces if they are soft. Make sure all meats are cooked long enough to remove that they are not tough and chewy. Remove the skin and cut the meat into small pieces. This minimizes the potential of getting food stuck in the braces behind your teeth.

Breads

If you enjoy sandwiches for lunch or snacks, you can continue to eating them. Whole grain breads provide nutrients and fiber that your body needs to stay healthy. However, avoid specialty breads as long as you wear braces. Hard grains, seeds and nuts can easily stick in your braces and cause problems. It is also a good idea to stay away from chewy breads like bagels.

Dairy Foods

Dairy foods are a good way to get calcium and protein into your diet. Most dairy foods are soft foods that are filling. Cottage cheese, for example, will keep your hunger satiated between meals. Avoid hard cheeses, especially those that may contain nuts.

Foods to Avoid

Braces do not have to change your diet. You can safely eat most of the foods you have always enjoyed. However, Dunn Orthodontics recommends that you maintain clean habits for a healthy smile. You can do this by avoiding certain foods as long as you wear braces. For example, steer clear of peanut butter, taffy and other sticky foods that can stick in your braces. Avoid nuts, pretzels, popcorn and hard foods that can break your brackets. Finally, cut the cumbersome foods like corn-on-the-cob into small pieces so you can enjoy them.