Introduction
One common question that most people with braces have is whether they can enjoy one of the greatest snacks of all time – chips. While snacking on chips occasionally won’t necessarily harm your braces, it is important to know what you should and should not do. This article aims to provide helpful tips and tricks for people who wear braces on how to safely and enjoyably snack on chips.
Benefits of Eating Chips with Braces – Some Tips & Tricks
It is crucial to protect both your braces and teeth while eating chips. When attempting to enjoy chips with braces, there are various helpful tips and tricks to make the process more comfortable and effortless. For example, you could break the chips into small sizes and eat with your molars. This way, you lessen the chance of your brackets breaking off, which can be quite a painful experience.
Additionally, some tips on how to eat chips carefully and safely with braces include taking small bites, chewing slowly and carefully, and avoiding the use of your front teeth while eating. Brushing and flossing immediately after eating chips is also essential in keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
Top Five Best & Worst Types of Chips to Eat with Braces
The crunchiness and texture of chips play a significant role in how they affect braces. Some chips are better suited than others for those with braces. When you have braces, it is best to avoid crunchy and sticky types of chips, including tortilla chips, kettle chips, and potato chips. However, we have put together a list of the top five chips you can enjoy with braces, including Cheetos, Pringles, and Ritz crackers.
Here is our list of the top five best and worst chips to eat with braces:
Top Five Best Chips to Eat with Braces
- Cheetos
- Pringles
- Ritz crackers
- Goldfish crackers
- Corn chips with less than 10% corn flour
Top Five Worst Chips to Avoid with Braces
- Tortilla chips
- Kettle chips
- Hard pretzels
- Popcorn
- Potato chips
How to Avoid Damaging Braces When Eating Chips – A Comprehensive Guide
Preventing damage when snacking on chips with braces is critical. When done improperly, eating chips can cause brackets to loosen or wires to break, leading to longer treatment times and more visits to the dentist. To avoid such mishaps, there are some steps to take to minimize the risks of chipping or loosening braces.
One helpful tip is to always use a fork when eating chips. This will ensure you avoid biting directly into the chip, which can damage the braces. Additionally, you should always brush and floss after eating chips to remove any lingering food particles that could cause plaque buildup. Practicing proper care and maintenance of braces, such as scheduling regular checkups with your orthodontist, ensures that your braces remain in good condition.
Delicious Alternatives to Crunchy Chips – Snacking with Braces
When snacking with braces, it is always essential to consider the nutritional value of the food, not just its effect on the braces. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the market that are both tasty and will not damage braces. Some alternative snacks to crunchy chips include fruit chips, popcorn (as long as it is not too crunchy), and crackers.
For additional options, consider snacks such as soft fruit, yogurt, pudding, or ice cream (assuming you brush your teeth afterward). The goal is to avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard foods that could damage your braces.
Real Stories of Eating Chips with Braces – Tips for Fun and Safe Snacking
The best way to learn about snacking with braces is from the people who have practiced it themselves. Hearing real-life experiences from people who have either accidentally damaged their braces while snacking on chips, or those with years of snacking with braces, provides much-needed insight on the process.
Some of the advice offered in these experiences includes gradually and carefully testing different chips, not getting too excited and biting into them, and brushing and flossing properly after eating chips. Additionally, some recommend drinking water after a chip snack, ensuring that the chips are not stuck in the teeth and braces.
Conclusion
Snacking on chips need not be a hassle just because you have braces. By following some tips and tricks, as well as being mindful of the types of chips you consume, enjoying a bag of your favorite chips remains possible. At the same time, remember to take the necessary steps to maintain proper care and maintenance of braces.
Share this article with others who have been wondering about how to snack safely and enjoyably with braces.