Summertime is full of fun. From sunny vacations to outings with family and friends, there are endless ways to soak up this sunny time of year. No matter how you choose to spend your summer months, one thing can be counted on: summer treats and eats! However, not all of them are best to indulge in if you wear braces. Read on to learn which summer foods to go for and which ones to avoid to keep the journey to your straighter smile on track.
Which Summer Foods Can You Enjoy with Braces?
Your summer doesn’t have to be dampened by the thought that you’ll have to miss out on delicious summer foods due to your braces. Fortunately, there are several mouth-watering choices you can enjoy. Some of those include:
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Watermelon
- Ice cream shakes and malts
- Popsicles and fudgesicles
- Cooked or grilled vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soft baked pastries
Summer Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
While you can enjoy many summer treats with your orthodontic treatment, it is essential to be mindful of your dietary choices. Here are a few popular summertime foods that you should steer clear of this season:
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
While fruits and veggies are key in maintaining good health, they can be harmful to your braces. Biting into crisp apples or raw carrots can accidentally pop a bracket off or bend a wire. It’s best to stick with cooking or canning fruits or vegetables until they’re soft and easy to chew.
Crunchy Grains
Generally, grains are safe to eat but certain ones can cause issues. Hard, crusty bread and unground grains (i.e., cracked wheat) can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. Instead, opt for sourdough or other easy-to-eat bread and rolls.
Meat on the Bone
The main star of summer barbeques is usually meat! Be sure to be careful with stringy and chewy meats, such as pork ribs and chicken wings. They can loosen your bands and put your treatment time at risk of being delayed. Stick with grilled meats and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
You can still have a delicious and happy summer even while wearing braces. By being mindful of your food choices, you can enjoy your time while also keeping a healthy, damage-free smile!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana and his team at TrueCare Dentistry keep the smiles of Mesquite healthy and beautiful! He earned his doctorate at the prestigious New York University and has mastered a wide variety of advanced dental procedures. By using state-of-the-art dental technology and customized services, he offers a wide range of services to help you achieve your dream smile, including FastBraces. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (469) 399-7288.