Quick Answer
Cheez-Its can be eaten in moderation while wearing braces. The crunchy texture may get stuck in braces so it’s important to brush and floss thoroughly after eating them. Stick to softer varieties like White Cheddar or limit Cheez-It consumption to avoid damage to braces.
Can You Eat Cheez-Its with Braces?
Cheez-Its are a popular cheesy snack cracker that can potentially cause issues for those wearing orthodontic braces. The hard, crunchy texture of Cheez-Its means pieces can easily become stuck in braces. However, this doesn’t mean they necessarily need to be avoided completely. Here are some tips for safely enjoying Cheez-Its with braces:
- Choose softer varieties – Options like White Cheddar are less rigid than Original and less likely to get firmly wedged into brace wires or brackets.
- Take small bites – Break the Cheez-Its into smaller pieces before eating so they don’t crack or crunch as much on the teeth.
- Chew thoroughly before swallowing – Allow time to mash up the Cheez-Its into a soft mass that won’t get stuck as easily.
- Rinse after eating – Swish water around the mouth to help dislodge any lingering pieces.
- Brush and floss – Carefully brush around each bracket and under each wire. Floss carefully between teeth and braces.
- Avoid excessive consumption – Limit Cheez-Its to an occasional snack, not an everyday food item.
As long as proper oral hygiene habits are practiced, orthodontic patients can definitely still enjoy Cheez-Its in moderation. Just be sure to carefully break them into pieces, chew thoroughly, and clean the teeth and braces well afterwards. Tell the orthodontist about any recurring issues with food getting stuck. They may recommend using orthodontic wax or adjusting wires to resolve areas that are prone to retaining food debris.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
While Cheez-Its are okay for occasional snacking, there are certain foods that should be limited or avoided altogether when wearing braces:
Hard, Crunchy Foods
Foods that are very hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky should be avoided as much as possible with braces. Examples include:
- Ice
- Hard pretzels
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard candy
These foods can damage braces and wires or become impossible to dislodge from teeth once wedged in. Even foods that start out soft but harden, like caramel, are problematic.
Chewy, Sticky Foods
Gummy, chewy, sticky foods should also be minimized or avoided completely. Examples include:
- Gum
- Gummy candies
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Dried fruit like raisins
These foods adhere to braces and easily wrap around the wires, leading to breakage or painful tugging.
Hard Fruits and Vegetables
Whole fruits and vegetables that are crunchy and fibrous are too hard to eat comfortably with braces. These foods require a lot of chewing pressure, which can damage orthodontic appliances. Examples include:
- Raw carrots
- Apples
- Corn on the cob
- Whole celery stalks
These foods can be softened by steaming, boiling, or roasting before eating. Cut them into small pieces as well to minimize chewing pressure.
Crusty Breads
Hard, crusty breads like baguettes and biscotti should not be eaten with braces. Their hard texture makes them likely to crack braces. Softer sandwich bread and rolls are better options. If possible, tear off any hard crusts before eating breads.
Foods Recommended with Braces
Here are some of the best options for foods to eat with braces:
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are naturally soft or can be cooked to soften are ideal. Examples include:
- Bananas
- Ripe peaches and plums
- Steamed broccoli and carrots
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
Tender Meats
Meats that become soft and tender when cooked are brace-friendly. This includes options like:
- Shredded chicken
- Ground meat
- Fish fillets
- Tilapia
- Shrimp
- Eggs
Smooth Foods
Foods with a naturally smooth, creamy texture are unlikely to damage braces. Some good choices include:
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Smoothies
Noodles
Well-cooked noodles and pasta can be easily chewed into a soft consistency before swallowing. Avoid any hard undercooked sections.
Soups
Warm soups containing soft chopped vegetables, beans, tender meats, or noodles are an excellent choice.
Bite-Sized Foods
Cutting foods into small pieces makes them less likely to damage braces. Some good options include:
- Bite-sized sandwiches without crusts
- Chopped salad
- Cut-up cooked veggies
- Cubes of soft cheese
Tips for Eating with Braces
Here are some helpful tips and precautions to take when eating foods with braces:
- Cut up larger pieces into small, manageable bites.
- Chew slowly using your back teeth and with your mouth closed.
- Avoid biting into foods using the front teeth.
- Swish with water frequently during meals to clean food debris from braces.
- Be extra diligent about brushing and flossing after eating.
- Use an orthodontic tool to dislodge any food stuck on braces.
- Apply orthodontic wax to irritated areas or wires.
- Stay away from any foods that seem to frequently get stuck in braces.
- Ask your orthodontist for advice about problem foods.
Being mindful when eating and maintaining good oral hygiene habits will keep braces clean and undamaged. This allows teeth to advance properly through the treatment plan. An orthodontist can suggest modifications or tools to make eating more comfortable if needed.
Risks of Eating Problematic Foods with Braces
Attempting to eat foods that are too hard, sticky, or crunchy with braces can cause a number of problems, including:
- Damaged braces – Hard foods can bend the wires in braces, pop off brackets, and even break bands, brackets, or orthodontic appliances.
- Injured mouth – Food jammed into braces can cut and scrape the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue.
- Broken teeth – Using teeth to bite down forcefully into hard foods while wearing braces can crack or chip teeth.
- Slowed treatment – If braces need premature repairs and adjustments due to damage, orthodontic treatment may take longer.
- Emergency dental visits – Severely damaged braces may require an unplanned visit to get wires or appliances repaired or replaced.
- Tooth decay – Food trapped by braces is at high risk for causing plaque buildup and dental decay.
- Gum disease – Braces make flossing difficult, and food remnants left stuck in braces can inflame and infect gums.
Avoiding problem foods prevents delays in braces treatment and uncomfortable dental issues. Most orthodontic patients can still enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods that are brace-friendly when prepared properly and eaten carefully.
Are Cheez-Its OK for Braces?
While crunchy snacks like Cheez-Its aren’t ideal for braces, they can be tolerated in moderation. Here are some tips for safely eating Cheez-Its with braces:
- Go for a softer baked variety like White Cheddar.
- Break into smaller pieces before chewing.
- Chew thoroughly with back teeth before swallowing.
- Rinse mouth with water afterwards.
- Brush and floss carefully when done eating.
- Limit Cheez-Its to an occasional treat, not a daily snack.
As long as proper precautions are taken, and consumption is limited to a snack portion, Cheez-Its can be permissible for someone wearing orthodontic braces. Just be very diligent about cleaning the teeth and braces after eating to avoid problems. If issues like discomfort, breakage, or food getting stuck occur frequently, it’s best to avoid them until braces are removed.
Conclusion
Cheez-Its and other crunchy snacks can get into trouble spots with braces, but a few small servings here and there are unlikely to cause harm. Take care to really break them into pieces, chew thoroughly with back teeth, and rinse and brush well afterwards. Limiting consumption to a couple times a week prevents overindulging in a food that can be potentially problematic. With some mindfulness when snacking and proper oral hygiene, those wearing braces can still enjoy an occasional treat like Cheez-Its. Just be sure to stick mainly to softer, brace-friendly foods eaten in bite-sized pieces to prevent damage during orthodontic treatment.
