Eating with Braces
Orthodontic treatment has the power to enhance your smile, but it also necessitates some changes to your eating habits. In order for your braces to perform optimally, it’s crucial to be mindful of the foods you consume and how you maintain oral hygiene. Here’s a detailed guide to assist you in managing your diet while wearing braces and ensuring that you uphold excellent oral health.
What to Eat and What to Avoid
Safe Foods to Enjoy
During the initial days with braces, it’s best to stick to soft foods that will not put pressure on your teeth and brackets, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and soft fruits like bananas.
Foods to Avoid
To protect your orthodontic appliances, avoid the following:
- Chewy foods: Bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: Caramels, gum
- Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies
- Foods you need to bite into: Corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails can also damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.
Brushing and Flossing: Essential for Oral Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Brushing and flossing help prevent cavities and gum disease and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Tips for Brushing and Flossing with Braces
- Brush after every meal: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush to clean around braces and wires.
- Floss daily: Use a floss threader to maneuver around your braces. Consider using an interdental brush for thorough cleaning between teeth.
- Use mouthwash: You may choose to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Managing Discomfort
General Soreness
When you first get your braces, it’s normal to feel some soreness in your mouth. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressure for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help. Additionally, your lips, cheeks, and tongue might feel irritated for the first week or two as they adjust. Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets to alleviate discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
Slight movement of your teeth is expected during treatment. This temporary loosening is necessary for your teeth to shift into their new positions. After treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize.
Handling Common Issues
Loose Wires or Bands
If a wire or band comes loose, there’s no need to panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Use a blunt object: Gently use the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire back under the archwire.
- Apply wax: To reduce irritation, you can place orthodontic wax or a wet cotton ball on the wire.
- Contact your orthodontist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to repair the issue.”
The Importance of Rubber Band Wear
Rubber bands are important for fixing bite problems and aligning jaws. It’s crucial to wear them consistently as prescribed by your orthodontist for timely treatment. Not following instructions or damaging the appliances can prolong your treatment, so please adhere to your orthodontist’s guidelines.
Playing Sports with Braces or Aligners
If you participate in sports, it’s crucial to safeguard your teeth. Dr. Laurie recommends the use of a mouthguard to prevent injuries to your mouth and braces while playing contact sports.
