Summer is a relaxed time, and part of the season’s fun comes from enjoying outdoor barbecues with family and friends. However, those with braces in Huntington Beach should pay attention to some of the most common summertime staples, as some are not braces friendly. The good news, though, is there are many delicious alternatives!
Forget These Foods During Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Andrew Harner, your orthodontist in Huntington Beach, recommends avoiding these typical barbecue foods.
- Raw vegetables: If you want to enjoy a fresh carrot, cut it into small pieces and chew with your back teeth. Alternatively, have whoever is cooking throw some carrots covered in olive oil, salt, and pepper on to the grill and enjoy a real summer treat!
- Corn on the cob: Corn removed from the cob is ok to eat. There are many delicious recipes available for corn salads that everyone can enjoy. Do a quick search and let your cooking imagination run wild. We recommend making corn off the cob elote with grilled corn for our braces wearing patients
- Pretzels and corn chips: If your craving for chips is too strong to resist, avoid corn chips and eat them slowly, one at a time, chewing mostly with your back teeth.
- Tough meat: Eat soft meats carefully, and avoid stringy meats.
- Sticky snacks: This includes gummies, caramel, and marshmallows.
- Hard snacks: Do not eat beef jerky, apples, or ice. Avoid popcorn.
The good news for those with braces in Huntington is that you will not starve. There are lots of yummy foods to enjoy at summer barbecues and picnics.
Tasty Foods That Are Kind to Braces
Orthodontic patients have many options for enjoying delicious food this summer.
- Popsicles: Try making your own with fresh fruit and juice
- Soft fruits: Like melons, grapes, and kiwis. An excellent way to enjoy all these at once is in a fruit salad
- Cheeses: Did you know cheese is good for your teeth as it's a good source of calcium
- Noodle dishes: Why not incorporate the cheese from above and make a delicious baked mac and cheese
- Chili: If you want to take it over the top, take the last three items and make chili-mac, quite possibly one of the best dishes ever created.
- Cooked beans
- Soft breads
- Cookies and lightweight crackers
- Most BBQ’d meats: Like ribs and chicken, as long as their “fall off the bone tender.
Patients with braces can be in the middle of every family barbecue this summer. It is just a matter of choosing what they eat wisely. If you have a question, ask us. We hope you enjoy your summer while enjoying all these delicious foods – happy grilling!
Contact Us Today
At Harner Orthodontics, the doctors and staff care about all our patients, and we welcome you to our family. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, call us at 714-842-9933, email us at [email protected], or use our handy online appointment request form.