One of the most annoying moments of having braces is being unable to eat your favorite food. Take bacon, for example. Can I eat bacon with braces?
Bacon is crispy, chewy, and irresistible, and the smell of it is just mouthwatering. But if bacon bits will or will not damage your braces, let’s find out.
Can I eat bacon with braces?
Unfortunately, it is best to avoid eating bacon while you have braces. Whether you cook it crispy or chewy, bacon bits can get stuck between your wires. The irritating feeling of little pieces of bacon caught in your teeth is not worth it, and removing them can be challenging.
These sticky pieces may even cause the brackets in your braces to bend or break.
Another reason you should skip eating bacon – and other chewy food – is that it can loosen up your brackets and wires. When this happens, you will need to see your orthodontist and have them tightened again, which is honestly inconvenient.
What can you do if you can’t resist the temptation?
You can try grilling, baking, or frying them in big pieces and then cut them into small, manageable strips. This way, you may be able to avoid getting them stuck in your teeth, but there’s no promise to this solution.
Whichever way you choose to eat your bacon, make sure to clean your teeth afterward.
How to clean your teeth with braces?
It is crucial to clean your teeth after eating bacon if, in case, you give in. You can always use mouth wash to rinse your mouth first and remove any lingering food particles.
You need to be more vigilant in brushing your teeth when you have braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for initial cleaning and an interdental toothbrush or a water flosser to get those hard-to-reach areas.
Floss even after you’ve brushed your teeth to get rid of any missed bacon particles. If you want something more thorough, you can opt for an oral irrigator, a device that uses water pressure to clean your teeth and gums. Use it wisely so the water will not be forcefully shot into your gum line and cause irritation.
If you are struggling to clean your teeth, you can always ask your orthodontist for help. They will be able to give you the best tips on how to keep your pearly whites healthy and clean – bacon bits-free!
Conclusion
So, can I eat bacon with braces? The answer is no, unfortunately. It is not advisable to eat bacon when you have braces due to the stickiness of the bacon bits. Not only will it get stuck in your teeth, but it can also loosen up your brackets and wires. If you do choose to eat bacon, be more careful and make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly after.
Don’t worry; once your braces are off, you can eat as much of it as you want – and any other food – without worrying.