Can I Still Eat Pizza With Braces?
/One of the biggest worries about getting braces is what types of food you will have to sacrifice. The good news is you don’t have to give up as much as you think, you just need to be aware and make good choices.
Is pizza still ok?
Yes! You can still eat pizza, but the KIND of pizza is important. Soft-crust pizza is ideal; thin-crust or any tougher crust can damage your braces and get stuck. Choose toppings that are in small pieces, such as crumbled bacon, green peppers, mushrooms, etc. Pepperoni slices are good as long as they don’t have a thick skin to chew.
Making your own pizza at home is super easy and fun! Buy soft crusts from the grocery store, pick your favourite toppings, chop them up, design your pizza, and then bake following the pizza crust instructions.
Pizza can still be healthy!
Of course, a healthy body is important to maintaining healthy teeth, so pizza can have healthier toppings too! Try a simple pizza with tomatoes, basil leaves, and feta cheese, or try green peppers, onions, and two or three different types of mushrooms.
Foods you can still eat with braces
Anything that is soft, not too chewy or sticky
Light crackers or cookies
Cheese
Fruit
Pasta dishes
Tender meats such as poultry and fish
Soft breads
Steamed veggies
Foods you should avoid
Popcorn
Crusty bread such as bagels
Ice
Hard or chewy candy
Nuts and seeds
Large mouthfuls of raw vegetables
If you are unsure if your favourite foods are ok to eat with braces, send us an email or call your orthodontist. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Want a convenient list you can post on your fridge?
Pizza image credit: http://daniellavisionblog.com/2011/04/26/suburban-romance/