Can You Eat Burritos with Braces? Tips for Safe Enjoyment

Eating Burritos with Braces

Getting braces can be an exciting time. With straighter teeth on the horizon, you may be wondering how your eating habits might change. One question many brace-wearers ask is: can I eat a burrito with braces?

The good news is that yes, you can still enjoy burritos while wearing braces. However, extra care and caution should be taken to protect your orthodontic investment. Keep reading to learn some do's and don'ts for eating burritos with braces.

Choose Soft Burrito Fillings

When eating burritos with braces, softer fillings are best. Crunchy, hard fillings can damage braces brackets and wires. Some of the best burrito fillings to choose include:

• Refried beans
• Spanish rice
• Shredded chicken
• Steak
• Sauted veggies
• Cheese
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sour cream

Ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans and other veggies are okay in moderation if chopped finely or shredded. But be wary of hard vegetables like raw onions.

Steer Clear of Hard, Crunchy Toppings

When deciding what to put in and on your braces-friendly burrito, its also important to avoid hard, crunchy toppings. Say no to chips, crispy shells, and fried tortilla strips. Not only can these damage your braces, but they can get stuck as well.

Other hard toppings to avoid include:

• Tortilla chips
• Fried onions
• Peppers
• Hard taco shells
• Fried pork skins
• Chicharrones

Soft, pliable tortillas are your best bet when making or ordering burritos with braces. Flour and corn tortillas provide a protective barrier and wont damage brackets like their crispy counterparts.

Mind Your Bite Size

You just got your dream burrito stuffed with metal-friendly ingredients...but wait. Dont take a huge bite just yet. When eating with braces, its vital to take small, slow, controlled bites.

Why small bites? Large bites can snap tiny wires and brackets inside your braces. Taking big bites also boosts your risk of getting food stuck, which can be painful and damage your orthodontics.

To eat a burrito safely with braces:

• Cut down the center length-wise
• Take small bites from one open end
• Use your molars to slowly chew bites

Avoid taking bites from the middle or cramming a whole section in your mouth. Sliding the burrito along as you eat protects your braces better than picking it up for big front bites.

Soft Burrito Recipes for Braces

Looking for some orthodontic-approved burrito recipes? Here are a few tasty ideas that avoid hard, problematic ingredients:

Bean and Cheese Burrito

This vegetarian option pairs protein-rich beans with melty cheese for a comforting bite. Fill a warm tortilla with:

• Refried or black beans
• Brown or white rice
• Shredded cheddar
• Diced tomatoes
• Guacamole or salsa (optional)

Shredded Chicken Burrito

For some tender meat, try shredded slow-cooker chicken inside a toasted tortilla. Top with:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Greek yogurt or sour cream

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast foods tend to be naturally soft, making morning an ideal time for braces burritos. Fill your tortilla with:

• Scrambled eggs
• Diced ham, bacon crumbles or sausage
• Cheese
• Beans, potatoes or other veggies (optional)

Smother with your favorite salsa and dive in!

Eating Burritos Out with Braces

Craving burritos from your favorite restaurant but wary of how braces-friendly theyll be? With a little customization, you can still enjoy takeout and delivery while wearing your orthodontics.

Choose Bracket Busters

Scope out the menu for burritos described as soft or filled with gentle ingredients. Terms to look for include:

• Shredded
• Diced
• Refried
• Sauted

A shredded beef, sauted veggie, or refried bean burrito are less likely to damage braces than their crispy counterparts.

Hold the Chips and Hard Shells

Ask if burritos can be customized when ordering. Opt for soft flour tortillas instead of taco shells or fried bowl variations. Also request no crunchy nacho chips or chicharrones on the side.

Slice Strands to Prevent Food Strands

Upon receiving your custom burrito, dont chomp down right away. Give it a vertical slice down the middle first. This reveals all the fillings hiding inside and lets you discover any surprise veggies needing a chop-chop.

Slicing also makes strands of fillings like lettuce less likely to get stuck around your braces as you eat.

Dip Chips with Care

If a side of tortilla chips come with your meal, carefully dip them instead of crunching down on whole ones. Use your molars or back teeth to slowly grind dipped chips, minimizing contact with braces.

Staying Safe While Eating Burritos with Braces

By choosing softer burritos and savoring small bites, you can keep enjoying one of your favorite foods while wearing braces. But even when taking precautions, braces accidents happen. Stay prepared with a few supplies.

Carry Orthodontic Wax and Floss

Keep wax and floss on hand to quickly address issues like poking wires or stuck food. Applying wax can provide relief until you see your orthodontist. Floss can help dislodge particles caught between teeth or wires.

Brush Properly After Eating

No matter what you eat with braces, be sure to brush thoroughly after meals. Use correct brushing technique to access food particles stuck in every nook of your mouth hardware. Floss under wires too.

Inspect Braces Routinely

Feel around braces regularly, ensuring no new poking wires or loose brackets. Report any notable changes to your orthodontist right away before major damage occurs. By selecting soft burrito fillings, slicing your meal, and taking small bites, you can keep enjoying one of your go-to comfort foods while wearing braces. Exercising a little extra care goes a long way toward protecting your orthodontic investment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.