When you have braces, you have to be careful about what you eat. You cannot tear open a bag of chips or eat hard or sticky foods, such as caramel corn or cookies, or similar processed treats. Instead, you need to focus on foods that are softer and healthier. Make Sure You Have Your Nutritional Needs Met When you have braces, it is important to avoid snack foods that are calorically dense and lacking in nutrients This can negatively impact the health of your teeth and lead to malnutrition. Even if you get enough calories, you still can experience a nutritional deficit – one that can weaken both your bones and teeth. Therefore, make it your goal to snack on calcium rich foods that support good dental health as well as foods that contribute to overall sound nutrition. What Are Healthy Snacks for People Who Wear Braces? To eat healthy, you need to stay away from processed foods and sugary snacks. The best way to do this, if you work out, is to bring your own snacks from home and avoid the vending machine. Healthy snacks include soft and nutritious foods, such as cheese cubes, yogurt, peaches, kiwi, melon, and seedless watermelon. If you eat vegetables for a snack, steam them so they are softer to eat. Choose broccoli, carrots or cauliflower to satisfy a snack attack. When you wear braces, stay away from dark or caffeine drinks, such as colas, tea, and coffee, and choose to drink low-fat milk or sip water instead. You want to ensure the health of your teeth while they are being straightened. That is why you need to make sure the foods you eat will provide you with enough nutrition as well as safeguard your teeth. If you would like to know more about our orthodontic services, give us a call today. Our team of professionals will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment for a consultation.