Our team at West Family Orthodontics is enjoying the perks of summertime, and we hope you are too! Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities like swimming and lake days, or you’re partaking in family gatherings and summer bashes, we know summer is full of delicious snacks and treats. If you’re unsure what snacks you should avoid during treatment and what snacks are Dr. West approved, we have got you covered! At West Family Orthodontics, we understand the challenges of maintaining a braces-friendly diet, so we’ve put together some healthy and delicious snacking tips to keep your smile safe and your taste buds happy all summer long.
The Advantage of Healthy Snacks
During your orthodontic treatment, it is super important to take good care of your teeth, and that includes choosing smart, healthy snacks. Braces are designed to gently move your teeth into the correct place, helping you achieve a straight smile, but braces can also be very sensitive to certain foods. Foods that are sticky, hard, or crunchy can damage your brackets and wires, which means they are best to avoid during orthodontic treatment. It is also best to limit foods and beverages high in sugar, because sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, and braces allow bacteria extra hiding spots. Too much bacteria in your mouth can lead to cavities, and you don’t want to have to worry about cavities during your braces journey. Smart snack choices can keep your smile healthy and can help your treatment stay on track!
Braces-Friendly Snack Ideas
Our team at West Family Orthodontics has compiled a list of our favorite braces-friendly snacks so you can enjoy tasty food while your smile transforms!
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritious, delicious and easy to have on hand. Opt for softer fruits and veggies, though, during braces treatment, to decrease the risk of breaking a bracket or damaging your wire. Here are some of our favorite options.
Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, grapes, citrus fruits, and melons are all excellent soft fruit choices. For harder fruits like apples and pears, try slicing them into thin pieces to make them easier to chew and to avoid an emergency run to our office.
Vegetable Sticks: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips are braces-friendly when cut into small, manageable pieces. You can even pair your favorite veggies with some hummus or homemade ranch dip for a more filling snack option. We love this homemade, high protein ranch option here.
- Delicious Dairy Options
Dairy products are rich in calcium, which is vital for healthy teeth and bones. They are often high in protein as well and provide a soft texture that’s gentle on braces.
Yogurt: Avoid yogurt with excess sugar and opt for plain greek yogurt with a honey drizzle or a bit of natural maple syrup to add some sweetness. Top your yogurt bowl with your favorite fruit for extra flavor.
Cheese: Soft cheese sticks or slices are perfect for a quick, protein-packed snack. Cottage cheese is a great, high protein snack as well! Try adding a little everything but the bagel seasoning for a different twist on this dairy snack.
- Summer Smoothies
Smoothies are one of our favorite summer snacks at West Family Orthodontics. They are refreshing, healthy, and come with endless flavor combinations. Smoothies are an easy way to pack in your daily dose of fruits, veggies, and even a little protein. A well-rounded smoothie is the perfect satisfying summer snack.
Berry Blast: Blend together strawberries, blueberries, a banana, some greek yogurt, and your choice of milk for a yummy, braces-friendly treat. We highly suggest sipping your smoothie by the pool or under the sun if possible.
Green Smoothie: Combine spinach, a chopped green apple, pineapple, and a splash of your favorite milk for a nutrient-rich, tasty smoothie.
- Soft Snacks
Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with soft snacks during your orthodontic treatment. Soft snacks are ideal because they’re easy to chew and won’t cause any damage to your brackets or wires.
Hummus and Soft Pita: Try dipping some soft pita, bread, or sliced veggies into some hummus for a smart snack option.
Applesauce: This classic snack is both braces-friendly and easy to pack for on-the-go munching. Opt for applesauce without added sugar to keep your teeth free of excess bacteria.
- Nuts and Seeds (in Moderation)
During your orthodontic treatment, try to stay clear of whole nuts and reach for nut butters or unshelled, chopped nuts instead.
Almond Butter: Spread almond butter on a rice cake, soft bread, or apple slices for a satiating, protein-packed snack.
Sunflower Seeds: Purchase pre-shelled sunflower seeds and enjoy this summer snack without the risk of damaging your braces.
Snacking Tips for Orthodontic Patients
Try out our favorite summer snacks to help fuel your summer without prolonging your braces treatment. Remember to cut up fruits and veggies into small, bit-sized portions to make them easier to chew. Avoid using your front teeth to bite into hard fruits and vegetables. Choosing healthy snacks, drinking plenty of water, and brushing and flossing morning and night can all significantly help you avoid a broken bracket during your orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about your diet, if you need more snacking ideas, or if you accidentally damage a bracket or wire, please reach out to our team at West Family Orthodontics. It may be summer break, but we never take a vacation from helping our patients transform their smiles!
Enjoy your summer and remember to snack smart!
