Eating pizza is a common craving, and orthodontic treatment does not mean this favorite food must be completely eliminated. You can generally eat pizza with braces, but it requires significant modifications to how the pizza is prepared and consumed. Successfully navigating this meal requires a deliberate approach, as typical components can interfere with the orthodontic appliances. Adjusting eating habits for familiar foods is a standard part of the braces experience, focusing on managing texture and stickiness.
Understanding the Risk to Braces
The primary concern with eating pizza involves the physical forces applied to the brackets and wires during chewing. Hard, thick, or overly chewy crusts present a mechanical hazard, as the force required to break them down can cause brackets to pop off the tooth surface. Excess pressure can also bend or break the archwire, potentially delaying the overall treatment timeline.
The composition of the pizza itself poses a hygiene challenge. Highly sticky ingredients, such as certain types of cheese or thick sauces, can easily lodge in the tight spaces around the brackets and wires. Trapped food particles encourage the rapid buildup of plaque, which is difficult to remove and increases the risk of demineralization or decay forming around the hardware. Eating pizza that is extremely hot should also be avoided, as high temperatures can potentially soften the adhesive bond securing the brackets to the enamel.
Strategies for Eating Pizza Safely
The first step in safely consuming pizza is to select a soft type of crust, such as a traditional thin crust or a soft, well-baked pan crust. The outermost, chewier edge of any crust should be avoided entirely, as this area concentrates the tough fibers that can damage the appliances. Only the soft, inner part of the slice should be consumed, as it requires significantly less force to chew.
Preparation is equally important, meaning the traditional method of biting into a full slice must be abandoned. The pizza should always be cut into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces before being brought to the mouth. Using a knife and fork is the most effective way to ensure that the cutting is done with a utensil, rather than relying on the front teeth, which are most vulnerable to shearing forces.
When chewing, focus on using the back teeth, or molars, to grind the food down. Certain toppings require caution, particularly those that are tough, hard, or stringy. Sticky meats like thick-cut pepperoni, crispy bacon bits, or very hard vegetables should be substituted for softer options. Examples include mushrooms, finely diced ham, or soft, well-cooked peppers. Stringy mozzarella, especially when hot, should be eaten carefully, as long strands can wrap around the wires and become difficult to dislodge.
Essential Care After Eating
Thorough cleaning is essential after consuming a food like pizza, which is prone to lodging in the appliances. The immediate action should be a thorough rinsing of the mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash. This initial swish helps to dislodge the most accessible food particles and wash away residual sauce and cheese.
After rinsing, it is necessary to visually inspect the brackets and wires for any remaining trapped debris. Specialized orthodontic tools, such as interdental brushes, are designed to reach beneath the wires and around the brackets to meticulously remove any stuck food. A floss threader or water flosser can then be used to clean between the teeth and under the archwire, clearing away any remaining sticky residue.
This detailed cleaning prevents the trapped starches and sugars from lingering on the teeth, which protects against the development of plaque and white spots around the bonded areas. Finally, a quick check in a mirror confirms that the braces are clear and allows for the early detection of any loose or damaged components that may have been stressed during the meal.