.jpg)
School is out, and the days are long and sunny; Summer is here! Grilling season is often filled with mouthwatering scents, and picnic tables filled favorite summer foods. If you have metal braces, it can be difficult to choose which foods will not cause issues when you eat them. Here are some menu items to keep off your plate this summer.
Corn on the Cob
Although it is a perfect match with BBQ, it also can bend the wires and get stuck in the brackets of your clear braces. Depending on the damage, it could mean extending the time before your braces can come off. You don’t have to miss out on sweet summer corn while wearing braces though. Cut the kernels from the cob and enjoy.
Sticky Desserts and Candy
Sugary treats tend to stick to the surface of the braces and get lodged between your teeth. Getting hard food stuck between your teeth can lead to pain and possibly require a dentist or orthodontist to go in and remove the object. Choose options like soft cookies, smoothies and ice cream instead. They can satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your actual teeth.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
In their natural state, apples, pears, and carrots can cause pain or complications if you have braces. This doesn’t mean you need to give them up entirely. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and enjoy. Much like corn on the cob, the food itself doesn’t cause problems. If cutting them up is not realistic, consider grapes, bananas, and broccoli as replacements.
Braces Friendly Recipes
Consider these yummy braces-friendly summer foods as alternatives to the options above.
- Easy Jell-O Popsicles – Not as crunchy as ice and just as sweet as ice cream, they are refreshing summer treats on a hot summer day.
- Mexican Corn Salad – Ideal for summer pool parties or a day at the beach, it complements any Mexican dish and holds up well in the heat. It also fills in for corn on the cob.
Summer is a perfect time to start straightening your smile, and Martinez Orthodontics is happy to help you decide which braces fit your lifestyle best. If you have a question about wearing braces or aren't sure about a specific food, give us a call, and we'll be happy to help!