FOODS THAT ARE OK

If you wear braces or other appliance, you need to give your teeth a little break from heavy chewing. So what's left to eat besides Jell-O? Plenty my friend. Check-out this great list of suggestions. Many foods are adaptable to a brace-friendly diet, so use your culinary creativity.

Remember these words: Chop, cook, mash, blend

• Chop food into smaller pieces.
• Cook long enough to soften.
• Mash or puree by using a blender or food processor

Helpful hints:

• Corn on the cob: cut the corn from the cob
• Carrots, celery: cut into small pieces
• Apples: cut into pieces
• Meats: cook until very tender, cut into small pieces
• Many canned fruits and vegetables are relatively soft

Brace-friendly suggestions:

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Tuna
• Grilled cheese
• Sloppy joes
• Instant Breakfast
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Chicken a la king
• Cooked vegetables
• Apple sauce
• Pineapple
• Bananas
• Watermelon

Check out Foods to Avoid for the stuff that's not so great for your braces or your teeth. Dingus & Rivoli Orthodontics is dedicated to your good nutrition. Ask us about any specific dietary concerns.