Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff
Article medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
Eating pizza with braces can be challenging. The wires and brackets make it hard to bite and tear as usual.
Holding the crust can also be difficult. In addition, toppings often get stuck in braces and are hard to clean out. This makes enjoying pizza a bit tricky when you have braces.
But if you’re a pizza enthusiast, there’s good news: pizza is indeed edible while wearing braces. You’ll just have to change up the way you eat it and avoid certain toppings.
We’ll show you how to make good choices when it comes to enjoying pizza, what pizza toppings you should opt for, and if hard or soft crust pizza is the right choice for you.
How to Eat Pizza With Braces
To make eating easier, use a pizza cutter to cut the slices into small pieces. You can also use a fork and knife. This will make it easier to chew and keep the toppings from getting stuck in your braces.
Like with all food, you eat it in small bites. Larger bites require more force and can damage your brackets and wires. Eat your pizza in small bites to prevent damage to your appliance and avoid delays in treatment.
You do not want to chew using your front teeth while wearing braces. Cutting your pizza into smaller pieces can help avoid doing so. The force needed to bite down may cause damage to your braces. Instead, opt for thin crust pizza and soft toppings like vegetables.
In addition, you should be careful about what types of pizza you are eating. Pizza with thick crusts or hard toppings such as pepperoni or sausage can be challenging to chew. Stringy toppings like pineapple may also present issues. But do not worry ?? cheese won’t get stuck in your braces the way other types of food will.
Finally, be sure to clean your teeth after eating pizza with braces. The cheese and tomato sauce can stick to your braces, and brushing your teeth will help to remove these sticky substances. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing can help to clear food debris from your braces and keep your mouth healthy.
What Pizza Toppings Can I Eat With Braces?
You can enjoy soft and easy-to-chew pizza toppings with braces. These toppings include most vegetables, certain meats, and other options.
Invisalign users can safely indulge in these choices for a braces-friendly pizza experience.
Taking care of your braces is essential, so make sure to choose toppings that won’t harm them. Stick to pizza toppings safe for braces to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Just be sure to cut up your pizza into small, bite-sized pieces:
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
- Onions
- Bacon crumbles
- Chicken
- Ham
- Feta Cheese crumbles
- Olives
- Blue Cheese crumbles
- Tomatoes
- Ground beef
What Pizza Toppings Should I Not Have With Braces?
Pizza toppings to avoid with braces, such as most salted meats and certain fruits and veggies. These toppings can be problematic for those with braces. Be mindful of your choices for a more comfortable eating experience. You should avoid the following food items whenever possible while wearing braces:
- Pepperoni
- Salami
- Sausage
- Pineapple
- Any other food items that can be too crunchy or sticky to consume, like pretzels, popcorn, caramel, etc.
pizza related FAQs
Is Thin Crust Pizza Good for Braces?
Absolutely. Thin crust pizza is softer than regular crusts and is easier to consume while wearing braces. Thicker, harder crusts may be more challenging to bite through with braces and can cause damage to your appliance. Stick with a thin crust and soft toppings throughout your braces treatment journey.
Can I Eat Deep Dish Pizza With Braces?
Eating deep-dish pizza with braces is possible. The crust of deep-dish pizza is soft. It doesn’t require much force to bite. This type of pizza can be messy. Using a fork and knife might be a good idea.
When choosing toppings, be careful. Avoid hard and stringy ones.
Opt for veggies or plain cheese. Remember, whether it’s thin crust or deep-dish pizza with braces, the key is to choose soft foods. Enjoy your pizza crust without worry.
Can I Eat Pizza With Clear Braces?
For individuals who are undergoing treatment in clear or ceramic braces, you certainly can still eat pizza. Be advised that prolonged exposure to tomato sauce and other food items can stain your colorless bands. We strongly advise brushing, flossing, and rinsing immediately after eating to avoid straining your specialized bands.
Conclusion
Yes, pizza fans, you can enjoy your favorite food with braces. Just be sure to follow the steps we listed above.
Take small bites with your back teeth and avoid hard, chewy toppings. Consider also eating soft pizza and skip the hard, crunchy crusts. You can use a fork and knife if you need to – remember that it’s only temporary. As always, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse after eating to avoid staining your teeth or appliance.
