Hey there, pizza lovers! I’ve got this one million dollar question for you! Can you eat Pizza with braces?
Are you one of the millions of people rocking a set of braces? If so, eating some food can be pretty challenging. And let’s be honest, who wants to give up delicious meals just because they have some metal wires in their mouth?
Not me, that’s for sure!
From bubble gum or any sticky foods or hard foods to other delicious food to all those kinds of food that you eat regularly, with those traditional metal braces, with all those bent wires, rubber bands, and loose brackets that are part of your dental braces, even munching on small portions is difficult
So if you’re anything like me and refuse to let braces get in the way of your pizza fix, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re answering the age-old question: Can You Eat Pizza with Braces? So grab a slice and settle in because we’re about to explore the delicious world of pizza and braces.
Why Pizza is an All-Time Favorite
Before we talk about the risks of eating pizza with braces, let’s discuss first why it’s an all-time favorite!
First thing and main reason, it’s delicious! Whether its from your favorite pizza parlor or a homemade pizza, it’s simply irresistible!
Just imagining the mixture of savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy crust will make us crave for the next slice. Pizza is a kind of food that is incredibly versatile, with the many types of pizzas available, you can add just about any topping you can think of, from classic pepperoni to fresh veggies, and even fruits like pineapple.
And what’s more exciting is it’s a perfect meal any time of the day. Having a quick lunch in the office? You don’t have time to cook dinner? Pizza can save the day! And talking about the leftovers (this is actually my favorite!)? Just reheat and you got a perfect tasty snack on the plate.
Pizza is such a heavenly comfort food. With the chewy toppings, who can resist? Whether you’re a fan of classic margarita or something more adventurous, there’s a pizza out there for everyone to enjoy!
Risks of Eating Pizza with Braces
As yummy as it is, pizza can actually pose some risks to your braces and dental health. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pizza Can Damage Braces
Pizza can be pretty tough to chew, especially when it’s stringy and cheesy. This can put a lot of pressure on your braces and cause brackets to come loose or wires to break, which can delay your orthodontic treatment progress and lead to extra appointments and expenses. Not fun!
Pizza Can Cause Tooth Decay
Pizza is usually loaded with sugar and carbs, which can contribute to tooth decay if it gets stuck between your teeth and braces. This can create bacteria and acids that can eat away at your tooth enamel, cause cavities, and weaken your teeth.
Pizza Can Cause Bad Breath
Pizza can also cause bad breath, especially if you have leftover food particles trapped in your braces. This can create an unpleasant odor in your mouth that can linger for hours, making you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.
Pizza Can Affect Jaw Alignment
If you have a bite problem or jaw misalignment, eating pizza can worsen the issue. Chewing pizza with tougher crust can create uneven pressure on your teeth and braces, leading to pain, discomfort, and even misalignment.
Pizza Can Get Stuck in Braces
Pizza toppings like cheese and tomato sauce can easily get trapped in the wires and brackets of your braces, causing discomfort and even pain. If left untreated, trapped food can lead to inflammation and infection in your gums, which can lead to some serious dental problems.
Pizza Can Interfere with Orthodontic Adjustments
If you eat pizza right before an orthodontic appointment, the cheese, sauce, and toppings can stick to your braces, making it hard for your orthodontist to make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This can delay your progress and ultimately make your braces stay on longer.
Pizza Can Stain Teeth
Pizza stuffed with tomato sauce is one of those acidic foods and can cause discoloration of your teeth over time, and cheese is high in fat and can contribute to staining of your teeth. If you eat pizza regularly while wearing braces, you may notice some discoloration or yellowing of your teeth, which can affect your smile and self-confidence.
Pizza Can Cause Gum Irritation
Eating pizza with braces can also cause gum irritation, especially if the pizza is too hot or the cheese is too stringy. The cheese can stick to your gums and the roof of your mouth, causing discomfort and even burns.
Hey, I know what you’re thinking – can you still enjoy pizza with braces on? The answer is yes, you definitely can! Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely.
I get it, you may be concerned about damaging your braces, causing tooth decay or staining your teeth. While there are some risks involved with eating pizza with braces, there are ways to minimize these risks so you can still indulge in your favorite food.
So, are you curious about how you can safely enjoy pizza with braces on? Keep reading! I’ve got some tips for you that will help you enjoy your pizza without worrying about damaging your braces or your dental health.
Tips for Eating Pizza with Braces
Good news! There are ways to savor your slice without compromising your dental health. You can still prioritize the care of your braces!
Here are some practical tips for eating pizza with braces, so you can keep your teeth healthy and your taste buds satisfied.
Cut Your Pizza into Small Pieces
First things first, cutting your pizza into manageable, smaller pieces can go a long way in protecting your braces. Just have some small bites. It’ll prevent you from biting down too hard on a tough crust or topping that could damage your braces or wires. Plus, it’ll make it easier to navigate your braces and ensure that no food gets stuck in them.
Choose Soft Toppings
When it comes to pizza toppings, it’s best to opt for softer options that won’t get stuck in your braces. Some good choices include mushrooms, peppers, and even olives.
It’s also best to avoid hard vegetables and go for soft foods, raw vegetables and soft fruits. This reduces the pressure on your braces and teeth, minimizing the risk of damage to your dental treatment and teeth.
Go For a Thin Crust Pizza
If you’re really craving that crispy crust, consider going for a thin-crust pizza instead of a thick crust, doughy one. Thin and soft-crust pizza is usually softer and easier to chew, which puts less pressure on your braces and teeth. It’s also a great option if you want to avoid getting food stuck in your braces.
Be Mindful of the Temperature
Hot pizza straight out of the oven might be tempting, but it’s best to let it cool down a bit before taking a bite. Eating hot food can cause your braces to expand and contract, which can damage the wires or brackets. Plus, it’s not great for your mouth in general to eat food that’s too hot.
Consider Using Orthodontic Wax
If you’re still worried about damaging your braces while eating pizza, you can consider using orthodontic wax. Apply a small amount of wax to the brackets or wires that are rubbing against your cheek or gums. This can help prevent any damage caused by chewing or biting down on your pizza.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Of course, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits, even when indulging in your favorite pizza. Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating, paying particular attention to your braces and any hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is also essential to remove any food particles between your braces and teeth. If you’re eating pizza in public and can’t brush your teeth immediately after, try to rinse your mouth out with water. This can help remove leftover food particles and decrease the risk of decay or damage to your braces.
Can You Really Eat Pizza with Braces? Statistics and Research
According to recent statistics and research, the answer is a resounding yes!
A survey by the American Association of Orthodontists found that 67% of patients reported consuming pizza at least once a month during their orthodontic treatment. This means that plenty of people have successfully navigated the world of pizza with braces and lived to tell the tale!
Regarding the benefits of eating pizza, the research speaks for itself. Not only does pizza provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins A and C, but it can also boost your mood and increase happiness and satisfaction. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little extra happiness in their lives, especially when dealing with the ups and downs of braces?
Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone’s orthodontic treatment is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. But with the right tips and strategies in place, there’s no reason why you can’t safely enjoy a delicious slice of pizza, even with braces.
So indulge in your favorite pie (in moderation, of course), and remember to take good care of your teeth and braces afterward. Your tastebuds (and mood) will thank you!
Pizza Time!
Here is a rundown of some of the best pizza we featured! Comment down your favorite!
@mortadellahead For #nationalpizzaday , we recreated this viral pizza featured on @devourpower ! How’d we do?! #bostonrestaurants #bostonfoodie #pestopizza #pizzapizza
@mortadellahead Utter chaos in the Mortadella Head kitchen this afternoon. #chickenparmpizza #chickenparmigiana #QuakerPregrain #ReadySetLift #bostontiktok
@mortadellahead And that’s how you make it nice at Mortadella Head baby! #bostontiktok #bostonfoodies #marinaravodkapesto #vodkasauce #pesto #marinarapizza
@mortadellahead Do pickles belong on pizza?! #picklepizza #picklerick #pizzapizza #bostonpizza #bostonaccent #growingupitalian🇮🇹
@mortadellahead The healthiest pizza you could ever eat. #vodkasauce #romanpizza #bostontiktok #bostonrestaurants
♬ Theme From New York, New York – 2008 Remastered – Frank Sinatra
@mortadellahead THE ONLY PIZZA YOU’LL EVER NEED. We LIED to you. THIS is the world’s best pepperoni pizza. #bostonfoodies #bostontiktok #tiktokhowto #recipesoftiktok #GenshinImpact33
And many many more on our Tiktok! See them there!
Final Thoughts
We have the answer to our essential question: Can you Eat Pizza with Braces?
Yes, you can eat pizza, but there are certain specific ingredients you need to look at. There are also specific ways to eat your beloved food. Bearing those things in mind, you can have no problems indulging in your favorite pizza.
Remember to take some precautions and follow the tips mentioned in this article, like brushing and flossing after eating and avoiding hard or sticky toppings. By being mindful of your braces and oral health, you can safely indulge in this popular dish without any worries. To paraphrase a famous saying about having the best of both worlds: you can have your pizza and eat it too.
And don’t forget; pizza is not only tasty but can also provide essential nutrients and a mood boost, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
So, go ahead and savor that slice! The only thing is, never forget these tips I shared.
