Bayboro knows good food, like a fresh catch from Mayo’s Seafood Restaurant or fried shrimp dinners after a soccer game at Pamlico County High. But if braces are part of the picture, not everything on the plate plays nice. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics have seen what can happen when sticky, crunchy, or chewy favorites sneak past the do-not-eat list. So before your next bite, let’s talk about a few foods that can throw a wrench in your smile game (and what makes a better pick!)
Sticky Situations: Why Caramel Isn’t Worth It
That gooey caramel square might call your name at the Bayboro Pharmacy checkout, but it’s one of the quickest ways to pop a bracket. Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and toffee stretch and pull across wires, increasing the chances of damage during chewing or cleanup. These sugary bits can sneak into tough-to-brush spots, raising the risk of cavities.
Try this instead:
Reach for something smooth and braces-friendly like soft peanut butter cups (served cold for less stick) or chilled pudding. You’ll still get that sweet fix, without the sticky aftermath.
Up next, let’s tackle another common offender hiding in snack bowls and seafood platters alike: crunchy, hard-to-chew foods.
Crunch Time? Not So Fast
A plate of hushpuppies or a handful of kettle-cooked chips feels like second nature in Bayboro, but braces call for a second thought. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics have seen more than a few wires take a hit from snacks that snap back. Crunchy foods might appear harmless, but they’re often the fastest way to a bent bracket and a detour back to the ortho chair.
Here’s what to steer clear of (no matter how tempting):
- Hard chips and taco shells – That delicious crunch can send brackets flying.
- Nuts and trail mix – Great for a hike, not so great for your braces.
- Popcorn – Even “just one kernel” can get stuck in all the wrong places.
- Crusty bread and bagels – That chewy crust puts serious pressure on shifting teeth.
Luckily, Bayboro serves up soft Southern comfort. Consider soft swaps like biscuits (and gravy), cheesy grits, or a warm serving of mashed sweet potatoes instead. Up next, let’s look at chewy crusts and why they don’t mix well with brackets.
When Bread Bites Back
Some foods fly under the radar until it’s too late. Chewy breads tend to look innocent on the plate, but they’re known for causing braces trouble when you least expect it.
The Culprits:
Bagels, baguettes, thick pizza crusts, and toasted sub rolls
Why They’re Braces Bullies:
They look simple enough on the plate, but these doughy heavyweights deliver a serious chew that can stress brackets and wires fast. One bite can turn lunch into an unexpected orthodontic emergency. Even a simple bagel run before school can come with a side of regret.
Softer Picks That Still Hit the Spot:
No need to break up with bread entirely. Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics recommend switching it up with options that are easier on your gear, like:
- Classic soft sandwich bread (hello, PB&J upgrade)
- Flour tortillas for wraps or quesadillas
- A slice of pan-style pizza with a softer crust from Little Italy Pizza in nearby Alliance
You’ll keep the flavor, skip the bracket drama, and still have room for dessert. Speaking of sticky situations, let’s talk about barbecue ribs and shrimp skewers next.
Bone-In Bites & Tough-to-Tackle Treats
Around Bayboro, a cookout isn’t complete without sticky ribs, grilled wings, and a mountain of fresh corn. That satisfying crunch into a crisp apple or bite off the cob can put serious pressure on brackets and wires, leading to damage before you know it.
The Culprits:
- Pork ribs and chicken wings
- Bone-in drumsticks
- Corn on the cob
- Whole apples and pears
- Shell-on shrimp or crab legs
What’s the Risk?
Biting into hard or uneven surfaces can shift brackets or bend wires, often sending you back to Smith & Smith Orthodontics for a repair appointment with Dr. Brian or Dr. Lynn!
How to Keep It Safe:
- Cut the corn off the cob before serving
- Slice apples or pears into thin wedges
- Stick with boneless meats or pre-peeled seafood
- Use utensils for anything that tempts you to chomp
These tweaks let you enjoy Bayboro-style favorites without the bracket drama. Of course, no meal feels complete without something sweet. So, let’s take a look at which desserts work with braces and which ones are better left behind.
Sweet Tooth, Smarter Choices
Bayboro does dessert right with banana pudding at a church potluck, a soft-serve cone on a humid summer day, or a slice of cake from a Sunday bake sale. But if you’ve got braces, not every treat is a good idea.
What to skip:
- Jawbreakers, peppermints, and butterscotch disks
- Gummy bears, licorice, and fruit chews
- Ice cubes (yes, even just to chew!)
What to grab instead:
- Banana pudding (homemade or store-bought—your secret’s safe!)
- Soft-serve from a local favorite like Sweet Annie’s Coffee & Bakery Co.
- Frosted cupcakes or brownies from your next school fundraiser
Your sweet tooth doesn’t need a timeout. Just give it braces-friendly options that won’t land you back in Dr. Brian’s or Dr. Lynn’s chair. Next, let’s talk about why choosing the right orthodontist can make skipping those tricky foods feel like no big deal.
Braces Help, Hold the Hassle
Choosing Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics is like picking the local barbecue joint over a chain: you get quality, comfort, and people who know your name. They know how food fits into Bayboro life, which makes it easy to help families keep the flavor (and their schedules) right on track while braces do their job.
The team also knows which snacks to swap (and which ones to skip), and they’ll walk you through it all with patience, humor, and a few dad jokes from Dr. Brian for good measure. With digital scanning, modern treatments like 3M Clarity and in-house clear aligners, and a team that treats you like family, there’s a reason folks from Deep River to Moncure keep coming back.
Your food might change for a bit, but with Smith & Smith Orthodontics, the experience never leaves a bad taste!
One Final Bite Before You Go
Braces might mean skipping the sticky stuff, but they don’t cancel out all the flavor Bayboro has to offer. With a few smart swaps and a little help from Dr. Brian, Dr. Lynn, and the team at Smith & Smith Orthodontics, keeping your braces in check feels a lot less complicated. Schedule your free consultation in Sanford or Bayboro today and bring your appetite for exceptional care!