Summer is a time to relax and enjoy life! And what better way to do that than to indulge in some summer snacks? summer foodsWith braces, though, it can sometimes be a chore to find edibles that fit your mood while not endangering your braces. There are many summer foods that are both refreshing and safe for your appliances, and we are here to help you discover them. 

Fruit

Fruit is a sweet and refreshing snack that is also, blessedly, healthy. Some fruit is easily eaten while wearing braces–such as watermelon and bananas–however, some, such as apples, may need some preparation first. When eating hard fruit (i.e., apples), make sure you cut it up into manageable pieces. Biting directly into an apple can damage your braces, so be careful. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome this issue.

Salad

Salad is another good summer food choice. It’s light. It’s healthy, and depending on what’s on it, you don’t have to worry about breaking your braces in the process. Of course, some add-ons could affect that, such as croutons. Just be careful what goes in your salad, but other than that, enjoy!

Ice Cream

There’s little doubt that ice cream is a summer staple. It would be a shame if it were off-limits to braces wearers. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Ice cream is soft and doesn’t endanger your braces. Of course, you may consider rinsing with mouthwash afterward in order to keep your braces free of sugar, but ice cream is about as safe as it comes.

Food to Avoid

While there are plenty of summer foods to enjoy with braces, there is also a lot you should steer clear of. Avoid food and treats such as corn on the cob, popcorn, ice, and even ice cream with hard nuts inside. In essence, if it’s hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy, it’s best to let it be.

If your braces do get damaged, Maddux Orthodontics is here for you. Just call (757) 499-3530 or schedule an appointment online.