Eating Corn on the Cob with Braces: What You Should Know
Without getting mired in the debate of whether braces do make a difference, we are more focused on addressing the question at hand, which is whether or not you can eat corn on the cob while wearing braces.
Can You Eat Corn on the Cob With Braces?
And the ideal answer is no. Doing so will be like subjecting yourself to frequent dental complications. Eating corn on the cob will likely lessen the wires and the brackets holding together braces. And once the brackets become loose, they will expose braces to damage.
So, you will end up replacing the whole set, which may prove expensive in the long run. That’s why avoiding corn, or other hard, chewy substances is advisable.
This article digs deep into why you should avoid corn and other candy food substances, especially if you are wearing braces.
Why You Should Avoid Corn on the Cob With Braces
Corn on the cob is a great side dish, especially in the United States. However, despite its deliciousness, you shouldn’t eat it if you wear braces. Here is why
- Corn’s kernels are small enough to stick in your braces and cause an infection.
- Corn’s outer inbred line is not soft enough for easy chewing. So, the kernels may be rough on your teeth.
- Similarly, you’ll need to open your mouth wider than normal to eat it, which could cause problems with your bite alignment (or even loosen your teeth).
So, most people with braces are usually advised against eating corn, which may make them uncomfortable or even distract their teeth.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Braces
As earlier indicated, for many people with braces, the foods they eat may be either a source of joy or irritation. Some may leave their mouths feeling sticky and uncomfortable, while others may induce pain leading to swollen jaws.
Here are some of the most common foods to avoid:
Hot peppers and other spicy foods can cause discomfort when chewing. The heat can make your jaw tender or sore, especially for people with previous mouth pain during tooth grinding (cavities).
- Dry fruits
Many dried fruits like raisins and prunes contain tannin-rich compounds that irritate the gums and cause discomfort or bleeding when chewed.
- Hard candies
Hard candies can be tough on teeth as well as gums if they are chewed too hard or swallowed whole, which could lead to damage caused by abrasion or erosion of tooth enamel
- Hard Foods
Avoid chewing hard foods like ice cubes or straws until your teeth fully heal. This will prevent excessive wear and tear on the braces, which can lead to further problems down the line.
- Sugar
Sugar can cause toothaches and other oral problems. If you have braces or other dental work, limit your intake of sugary foods.
- Jelly beans
Jelly beans are hard on your teeth because they contain gelatin, a protein found in animal connective tissues like bone marrow, skin, and tendons. Gelatin can also be derived from animal hides such as calfskin, pigskin leathers, or plant sources such as seaweed or lichens (mushrooms).
Best Foods to Eat with Braces
You’ve probably already heard that you should avoid certain foods if you have braces, especially sugary foods, and drinks. But what’s the best diet to follow now?
Here are some of the best foods to eat with braces:
- Soft and chewy
Avoid crunchy, hard, and dry foods such as crackers, chips, pretzels, and nuts. Choose soft and moist foods with a lot of moisture, such as fruit or yogurt. Be sure to chew your food thoroughly, as this helps to keep your teeth in good shape.
- Foods that are easy to chew
If you have braces, try eating smaller bites than normal to help prevent food from getting stuck between them and damaging your teeth. You also want to avoid foods that are hard for you to chew and foods that have too much saliva in them like soup or ice cream (this can lead to decay).
- Foods that come with a lot of calories
Stick with low-calorie foods like fruits and vegetables rather than high-calorie snacks such as chips or crackers because these will provide the most nutrition per bite while still being small enough for your mouth!
- Avoiding Foods That Contains Acid
When you have braces, there is a chance that your teeth will be sensitive to certain foods. If the acid from these foods touches your teeth, it can cause real pain or discomfort. It’s important to avoid foods that contain sugar, such as apples and oranges, because they may make your teeth feel sore or irritated after eating them.
- Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help keep your teeth healthy. They also help prevent gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Some fruits and vegetables are high in calcium, which helps build strong bones. So, if you have braces, it’s important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they’re low in sugar and salt.
- Milk
Milk is an important part of a balanced diet because it provides:
- Calcium for strong bones.
- Protein for muscle growth.
- Vitamin D for healthy teeth and bone growth.
- Riboflavin for red blood cells.
Milk also contains vitamin B12, which helps build a healthy nervous system and brain function. If you have braces, consider drinking milk rather than other beverages such as carbonated soft drinks or sports drinks because they’re higher in sugar than milk.
Bottom Line
While you can eat corn on the cob with braces, doing so is not recommended. As corn is a hard, starchy food, it stands to reason that if something remains lodged in your braces, it could loosen them and create problems.
While this idea might seem far-fetched, wouldn’t that require a massive piece of corn to remain stuck there for long periods? The answer is yes; this does happen, but it happens less frequently than you might think.
In fact, other foods are harder (and more likely) to get stuck in your teeth than corn on the cob, such as hot dogs or foods with hard crusts. The bottom line—and the professionals agree—is that it’s best to avoid eating corn on the cob with braces.
