When patients get braces, they are often concerned about continuing to eat their favorite foods. Although it may be hard to put your favorite foods away, it is a crucial part of avoiding unexpected complications with your braces. We know that figuring out what you can and can’t eat might be challenging, so we want to share with you these general guidelines to keep your braces and teeth safe while eating.
Begin by Eating Soft Foods
Your teeth may be uncomfortable for a few hours after you get your braces on, which is very normal. It proves that your braces are working.
Begin by consuming soft meals like fruit smoothies, noodles, mashed potatoes, and rice. These foods are less likely to harm your braces or bring pain and discomfort to your sensitive, aching teeth since they are simpler to chew.
Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods
Before you consume anything while wearing braces, think about how long it will be in your teeth. If the response is a prolonged time, such as in the case of hard candies, there’s a higher chance of harming your braces, so you should avoid it. This is also true for chewy candy, like taffy and caramel, which have a high chance of being stuck in your braces’ bands or wires for an extended period.
Avoid Gatorade and Soft Drinks
These beverages are highly acidic and full of sugar, both of which will permanently damage the enamel of your teeth. Water and milk are both healthier options. Soft drinks and Gatorade should be reserved for exceptional occasions. They should never be consumed for an extended time, and after drinking, we recommend brushing properly or rinsing with water to reduce the amount of damage.
Take Smaller Bites
Rather than chewing into larger bits, cut your meal into bite-sized pieces. To make an apple more manageable with braces, cut it into thin slices rather than biting into it. Taking efforts like these will help you manage discomfort and protect your braces while also providing you with additional nutritional alternatives.
Brush your Teeth After Every Meal
With braces, what you do after you eat is just as essential as what you eat. Even if you avoid all of the foods listed above, it is significantly more probable that food will become trapped in your braces. So, be careful and keep a toothbrush with you at all times so you may clean your teeth after each meal. It’s also a good idea to bring floss with you to remove all the food out from between the brackets so that any remaining food doesn’t sit on your teeth and cause harm.
Use your Back Teeth to Chew
Your back teeth are stronger and bigger than your front teeth. Using your front teeth to rip or tug at meals is not a good idea. Place tiny portions of food toward the back of your mouth instead.
Drink Water
It is also beneficial to drink plenty of water while eating, as this will soften the foods and make them easier to swallow. Drinking water can also help you dislodge food stuck in your braces while you’re eating. You should always carry a bottle of water with you.
Chew slowly
Always eat more slowly and thoroughly. If your teeth are very sensitive, you’ll probably be doing this anyway, but if you’re hurrying, make sure to slow down and chew slowly.
All of these tips will make it easier for you to eat with braces, but remember that it is best if you always consult everything with your dentist, especially if you’re having any issues with your treatment. Here at the Invisalign and Braces in Buena Park, we are always ready to assist you and bring you excellent service with our exceptional group of dental professionals on our staff. Contact us today!
