Got braces and craving pizza? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy it! While braces can make eating some foods trickier, with the right approach, pizza can be part of your meal plan.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to eat pizza safely with braces, give you helpful tips for easier enjoyment, and highlight which toppings to avoid.
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces! Just be mindful of chewy crusts or hard toppings. It’s best to cut the pizza into smaller pieces to avoid putting pressure on your braces.
Braces are designed to straighten your teeth gradually, but in the meantime, they can make eating certain foods a bit more difficult. Pizza can present a challenge for several reasons:
Hard or Thick Crust
Pizza with a thick or hard crust can be tough to chew, especially if your teeth are sensitive or still adjusting to the pressure of braces.
Sticky or Chewy Toppings
Certain pizza toppings, like extra cheese or thick sauces, can stick to the braces or wires, making them difficult to remove.
Risk of Damaging Braces
Tough, crunchy crusts or hard toppings can risk damaging or loosening the wires and brackets on your braces.
But don’t worry! With the right modifications and some care, you can enjoy pizza without compromising your braces.
To make eating pizza easier and safer with braces, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose a Soft Crust
Opt for pizza with a soft crust. Thin crust pizza is much easier to bite into and chew than a thick, crunchy crust.
The softer crust will put less pressure on your braces and make it easier to enjoy without discomfort.
Cut the Pizza into Small Pieces
One of the easiest ways to make pizza more braces-friendly is to cut it into smaller, manageable pieces.
Cutting the pizza into bite-sized portions can help you avoid using your front teeth, which might cause discomfort if you try to bite into a large slice.
Avoid Hard Toppings
Hard toppings like crusty pepperoni or thick slices of meat can be difficult to chew and can put pressure on your braces.
Opt for softer toppings like vegetables, cheese, or thinly sliced meats that are easier to chew and less likely to cause damage to your braces.
Be Careful with Sticky Toppings
Some toppings, like extra cheese or thick sauces, can stick to your braces, making them harder to clean and potentially causing plaque buildup.
Stick to toppings that are less likely to get stuck in your brackets and wires, and always rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any remnants.
While you can still enjoy pizza with braces, there are certain foods and pizza styles you should avoid to prevent damage to your braces and ensure a more comfortable eating experience.
Hard Crust
As mentioned, hard or thick crusts can be problematic. They require extra force to bite through, which can put pressure on your braces and even cause the brackets or wires to loosen.
Stick with soft, thin crusts for the best experience.
Tough Meats
Meats like sausages or thick cuts of beef or pork can be tough and chewy, requiring a lot of effort to break down.
These types of meats can be difficult to chew, and you may end up putting unnecessary pressure on your braces.
Chewy or Sticky Toppings
Be cautious with toppings that are sticky or chewy, such as caramelised onions or excessive cheese.
These can stick to your brackets and wires, making it difficult to clean and potentially leading to plaque build-up.
Even with the best precautions, you may still end up with food stuck in your braces after eating pizza.
It’s important to clean your teeth and braces properly after every meal to avoid plaque buildup and potential damage to your teeth and braces.
Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly
After eating pizza, it’s important to brush your teeth and braces carefully. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and braces.
Make sure to brush around the brackets, wires, and any areas where food might get stuck.
Use a Water Bottle
If you don’t have access to a toothbrush immediately, rinse your mouth with water to help dislodge any pizza remnants from your braces.
Swishing water around can help remove most of the food stuck in your brackets.
Floss Gently
Use orthodontic floss or a floss threader to clean between your teeth and around the brackets. This will help remove any bits of food that may be stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
Consider Using Interdental Brushes
If flossing seems challenging, interdental brushes can be a great alternative.
These small brushes are designed to fit between your teeth and around your braces to remove food particles and plaque.
Eating pizza with braces long-term is absolutely possible, as long as you follow the right precautions and practice good oral hygiene.
It may take some time to adjust to the new way of eating, but with practice, you can enjoy all the things you love while wearing braces.
If you’re concerned about how your braces might be affecting your ability to enjoy pizza or other foods, consult your orthodontist.
They can give you tips specific to your braces and help you adjust to your new eating habits.
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but it’s important to choose soft crust and avoid hard or chewy toppings. Cut the pizza into small pieces to make it easier to chew.
Cheese is typically safe for braces, but if you use a lot of cheese, it can stick to your brackets. Be mindful of how much cheese you have and clean your braces thoroughly afterward.
To prevent food from getting stuck, choose toppings that aren’t too sticky or chewy. After eating, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles from your braces.
Eating pizza with braces doesn’t have to be a hassle.
By making a few simple adjustments, such as choosing a soft crust, cutting the pizza into smaller pieces, and avoiding certain tough or sticky toppings, you can enjoy pizza without compromising your braces.
Remember to maintain good oral hygiene after eating to ensure that your braces stay clean and functional.
With a little care and attention, you can continue enjoying your favourite foods while wearing braces, including delicious pizza!
Class One Orthodontics is where smiles are masterfully crafted. As Worcester and Newton's premier orthodontic experts, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled care with a personal touch. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedication to our community, we're not just creating beautiful smiles – we're shaping the future of oral health with a warmth and expertise that's unmatched.
