Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff
Article medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
Cereal has been a breakfast staple for decades. Many of us enjoy a nice bowl of our favorite cereals to eat for breakfast. However, if you have braces, you may be wondering if you can enjoy your favorite cereal.
The answer is yes, for the most part. You will need to be careful when eating to avoid damaging your braces but many kinds of cereal are perfectly safe to eat with braces. We’ll explain how to eat cereal with braces, what cereals to avoid, and any other frequently asked questions the world has about braces.
How Can I Eat Cereal With Braces?
Eating cereal while wearing braces is as easy as being mindful of the type of cereal you choose. The truth is, most cereals are safe to eat as long as you’re eating them in milk. Eat soggy cereal with braces to avoid biting down too hard and potentially damaging your brackets and wires.
Before you start eating, let your cereal sit in milk for a while. Use this opportunity to prepare some fruit or even scramble some eggs. Once you are done, your cereal should be soggy enough to safely eat.
Like all other meals, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after eating cereal. This will jar loose any food particles that may have gotten stuck in your braces. You should also visit your dentist for regular cleanings to ensure your brushing habits are satisfactory.
What Cereals Should I Avoid Eating?
Avoid cereals with hard bits like granola or whole nuts. Skip crunchy cereals or those with “crunch” in the name. Opt for soft cereals that get soggy in milk. For breakfast options and cereals to avoid with braces, choose wisely.
Food Related FAQs
Can You Eat Cheerios With Braces?
Skip plain Cheerios with braces, as they can be tough to chew. Soften them in milk to make them easier to eat. Consume a few loops at a time to avoid damaging your braces. Invisalign and braces-friendly foods are essential for oral health.
Can You Eat Froot Loops With Braces?
You can eat Froot Loops with braces but be sure to do so in moderation. Froot Loops are a sugary cereal and neglecting your oral care can lead to tooth decay. Eat your cereal with milk to make the loops softer, then brush and floss after eating to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Can You Eat Lucky Charms with Braces?
Yes, but soak them in milk before eating them. The marshmallows that come with Lucky Charms are fine to eat right out of the box but the actual cereal may be too hard to chew without first soaking it in milk. Keep in mind that Lucky Charms are high in sugar so be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out after breakfast. This way you can avoid bacteria from feasting on the sugary food debris and causing plaque buildup.
Can You Eat Raisin Bran with Braces?
Bran cereals are very hard and crunchy but can become soggy when left in milk. It may be safer to avoid Raisin Bran and other hard bran cereals until after your braces are removed.
Can You Eat Honey Bunches of Oats with Braces?
No, you should not have Honey Bunches of Oats while wearing braces. It contains full nuts and hard flakes, even when soaked in milk. Any bunched cereal and cereals that contain full nuts should be saved until after you complete braces treatment.
Can you Eat Rice Krispies Cereal with Braces?
Absolutely. Rice Krispies and other rice-based cereals are softer than wheat and grain cereals. This means they can be safely eaten while undergoing braces treatment. Additionally, the Rice Krispies will further soften in milk, making them even easier to eat.
Absolutely. Rice Krispies and other rice-based cereals are softer than wheat and grain cereals. This means they can be safely eaten while undergoing braces treatment. Additionally, the Rice Krispies will further soften in milk, making them even easier to eat.
Keep the rice cereals in your pantry for a delicious breakfast that’s easy to eat.
Conclusion
You can maintain your safe breakfast routine with braces without making significant changes. Eating specific cereals and braces is entirely possible. Begin by soaking your cereal in milk to soften it, and make sure to avoid nutty cluster cereals, as they can be too hard to chew and may pose a risk to your orthodontic treatment.
When enjoying your cereal, it’s essential to eat a few loops or pieces at a time and chew with your back teeth rather than your front ones. Chewing with your front teeth can potentially harm your appliance or cause discomfort.
Breakfast is an important meal of the day, and you can continue to enjoy it during your orthodontic treatment. By following these guidelines for foods to eat, such as cereals that are easier on your teeth and braces, you can ensure a smooth experience. Your orthodontist will provide you with treatment plans and recommendations to help you take care of your teeth and braces while enjoying your meals. Maintaining a safe breakfast routine with braces is achievable with the right choices and care for your orthodontic appliance.
