Can You Eat Cereal With Braces? | Brace Yourself

When we talk about braces and cereals together, we navigate a maze of dos and don’ts as the crunch factor adds a layer of uncertainty.  But, don’t worry brace-faced comrades, if you’ve partnered with braces and craving cereals, we’ve got all the crunchy details you need to munch your way to brace-friendly bliss without sabotaging your orthodontic journey!

Can You Eat Cereal with Braces?

Yes, you can eat cereals with braces. To keep cereals still a part of your braces-friendly menu, opt for soft varieties like corn flakes, wheat chex, puffed rice cereals, oatmeal squares, quaker rice cakes, etc. Allow them to soak a bit in milk to achieve a gentler texture so they become less likely to get stuck and damage your braces.

Alternatively, avoid having extra sticky or crunchy cereals like honey nut clusters, toffee crunch flakes, almond crunch cereal, caramel-coated puffs, etc that might pose a threat to your braces.

After eating cereal, consider brushing your teeth thoroughly to keep your teeth and braces in top-notch shape.

Cereal Do’s and Don’ts

 

Do’s	Don’ts
Opt for Puffed Options	Beware of Hard Clusters
Use a Spoon	Steer Clear of Nut-Heavy Mixes
Enjoy Oatmeal or Soft Squares	Pass on Hard-to-Bite Corners
Stay Hydrated	Limit Cereals with Hard Coatings
Choose Cereals with Soft Add-ins	Avoid Extra Large Cereal Pieces
Enjoy Cereal Bars in Moderation	Say No to Overly Sticky Granola Bars

 

Cereal Eating Techniques with Braces

 

 

With braces-on, other than soaking in milk, follow certain techniques to eat cereals to avoid any bad experience or further complications.

i)  Soft Bite Technique:

Abrupt or fast chewing puts pressure on braces leads to damaging them. Don’t hurry, don’t worry, and practice soft and gentle bites by using your molars rather than your front teeth. This will help you to distribute pressure across the braces and prevent damage to brackets and wires. 

ii) Tilt and Slide:

Tilt your spoon at a slight angle while having cereal to avoid direct contact with your front teeth. This provides a smoother eating experience and reduces the force applied to your braces.

iii) Divide and Conquer:

Break down the large pieces or clusters of cereals into crushed form or smaller pieces for easy consumption. These manageable bites will minimize the risk of breakage.

iv) Sipping Water:

Keep a bottle of water with you to drink at intervals. It will help you rinse away any small particles that may get caught in your braces, promoting better oral hygiene.

What Can You Not Eat with Braces

Sticky and Chewy Candies: Taffy, caramels, gummies, etc can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean.

Popcorn: The hulls of popcorn kernels can easily get lodged between your teeth and braces, which leads to irritation and potential damage.

Nuts and Seeds: Hard and crunchy nuts and seeds are difficult to chew and they might get stuck.

Hard Pretzels: The hardness of pretzels can pose a risk to your braces by breaking or bending them.

Chewy Bread: Bagels and chewy bread can be hard to bite through and may bend wires or brackets.

Ice: You can use it in drinks but chewing on ice is not recommended as it can be too hard for your braces and may lead to damage.

Whole Apples and Carrots: It’s better to cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces before eating instead of biting into a whole apple or carrot,

Tough Meats: Meat on the bone can be difficult to chew and may cause discomfort with braces on.

Chewing Gum: Gum can stick to braces and be challenging to remove, so it’s best to avoid it.

Citrus Fruits: While fruits are generally good for your health, acidic fruits like lemons and oranges can erode tooth enamel, and braces may make cleaning more challenging.

Can I Eat Rice Krispies with Braces

 

 

Yes, you can eat rice krispies cereals with braces on. They come with a soft texture and generally do no damage to braces. However, on the safer side, consider eating them slowly and in small bites. You can also make their combination with milk which will further soften them. Still, if you feel any sort of discomfort, consider shifting to some other cereal.

FAQs You Might Also Want to Know About

 

What breakfast foods can you eat with braces?

You can eat any soft-textured breakfast food with braces. Some of them include

• Soft Scrambled Eggs
• Yogurt
• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Pancakes or Waffles (Soft)
• Milk or Dairy Alternatives
• Soft Fruit
• Soft Muffins

Is it OK to eat rice with braces?

Yes, rice is generally safe to eat with braces. Ensure it’s well-cooked and not too sticky. 

Can I have a croissant with braces?

Yes, soft croissants are usually braces-friendly. Avoid hard or crunchy varieties, and enjoy them in moderation to prevent damage.

How long after braces can I eat normally?

After braces, starting a few days might be hard for you but usually, around two weeks into treatment, you can begin eating normal foods.