Pizza. That glorious, cheesy, saucy delight. But if you've recently gotten braces, you might be wondering: can you still enjoy this culinary masterpiece? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Eating pizza with braces requires a bit more care and consideration to protect your orthodontic investment and avoid painful mishaps. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
What Happens If You Eat Pizza with Braces?
The biggest risk when eating pizza with braces is getting food stuck in the brackets and wires. Pizza, with its abundance of toppings and often chewy crust, is particularly prone to causing this issue. Stuck food can lead to:
- Discomfort: Food particles rubbing against your braces can cause irritation and soreness.
- Increased risk of cavities: Food trapped against your teeth provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to an increased chance of cavities.
- Damage to braces: While unlikely, extremely hard pizza crusts could potentially bend or break wires.
What Kind of Pizza is Best (or Worst) for Braces?
The type of pizza you choose can significantly impact your orthodontic experience.
Best Choices:
- Thin crust: Thin crust pizzas are generally easier to bite through and less likely to get stuck in your braces.
- Cut into small pieces: This makes it easier to manage and chew your pizza without putting excessive pressure on your braces.
- Less chewy toppings: Avoid toppings like pepperoni that can get stuck easily. Opt for softer toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or onions.
Worst Choices:
- Thick crust: Thick crust pizzas are more difficult to manage and are more likely to cause food to get stuck.
- Lots of stringy cheese: Stringy cheese can easily wrap around your braces and become difficult to remove.
- Hard or crunchy toppings: Avoid overly hard or crunchy toppings, which can damage your braces or cause discomfort.
How to Eat Pizza with Braces Safely
Here are some tips to minimize the risks:
- Cut your pizza into small, manageable pieces: This will make it easier to chew and less likely to get food stuck.
- Chew slowly and thoroughly: This will help prevent large chunks of food from getting stuck.
- Use a floss threader after eating: A floss threader is a great tool to remove any food particles that may have gotten lodged in your braces.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating: This helps remove any remaining food particles and reduce the risk of cavities.
- Brush and floss your teeth carefully: This is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces.
Can I Eat Pizza Rolls or Other Pizza-Like Foods with Braces?
Many pizza-like foods share similar risks as pizza itself. Pizza rolls, for example, can be difficult to bite through and often leave behind small pockets of cheese and sauce around brackets. Exercise the same caution as you would with pizza; cut them smaller, chew slowly and thoroughly, and clean your teeth carefully afterward.
What Should I Do If Food Gets Stuck in My Braces?
If food gets stuck, try using a toothbrush or interdental brush to carefully remove it. Avoid using sharp objects like toothpicks which could damage your braces. If you can’t remove it easily, contact your orthodontist.
What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
While pizza can be enjoyed with braces, it’s important to remember that certain foods are best avoided altogether due to their potential for damage or discomfort. These often include hard candies, popcorn, nuts, ice, and sticky sweets.
By following these tips and choosing your pizza wisely, you can still enjoy this delicious food while protecting your braces and maintaining good oral health. Remember, communication with your orthodontist is key! They can provide personalized advice based on your specific brace type and oral health needs.
