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Braces are a common orthodontic treatment to help align and straighten teeth, but they can pose some challenges when it comes to eating. If you or someone you know is currently wearing braces, you might be wondering how to navigate meals without discomfort or damaging your braces. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some valuable tips for eating with braces, so you can enjoy your meals while taking good care of your orthodontic appliance.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you get braces is that your teeth may become sore for a few days. During this time, it’s a good idea to stick to soft foods that won’t put too much pressure on your teeth or braces. Opt for options like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, pudding, soup, and smoothies. These foods are not only gentle on your braces but also provide necessary nutrients.
To make eating with braces more manageable, cut your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will help reduce the risk of accidentally damaging your braces or experiencing discomfort while eating. Instead of taking large bites of an apple, for example, cut it into smaller slices.
Braces are delicate, and certain foods can pose a significant risk to them. Sticky candies, gum, and hard foods like popcorn kernels or ice can easily damage your braces or get stuck in them. It’s best to avoid these types of foods throughout your orthodontic treatment to prevent any mishaps.
While you don’t need to avoid crunchy snacks altogether, you should exercise caution when enjoying them with braces. Foods like chips and raw vegetables can be consumed, but do so carefully. Try to break them into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth to minimise the pressure on your braces.
A handy practice to incorporate into your daily routine is rinsing your mouth after every meal. This helps remove any food particles that may have become lodged in your braces or teeth. Swish with water or use an orthodontic mouthwash to ensure your braces stay clean and free from debris.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces on. Brush your teeth after every meal to prevent the buildup of plaque and food particles. Flossing can be a bit more challenging with braces, but there are special tools like floss threaders and water flossers designed to make the process easier. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to ensure your oral health remains in excellent condition.
If you participate in sports or activities where there’s a risk of impact on your face, consider wearing a mouthguard. This extra layer of protection will help safeguard your braces and teeth from potential injury.
Drinking plenty of water is beneficial for overall health, but it can also help with your braces. It can help wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist, reducing the discomfort sometimes associated with braces.
Lastly, be patient with yourself during your orthodontic journey. Adjusting to braces takes time, and it might be frustrating at first. However, the end result – a straight, healthy smile – is well worth the effort.
Eating with braces requires some adjustments and extra care, but it shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your favourite foods. By following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can make the most of your orthodontic treatment and look forward to a beautiful, confident smile once your braces come off.
Smile Concepts is a high-end dental clinic in the heart of Sydney. To deliver the best service, we always prioritise your wellbeing so we can use our expertise to help you live a better life.
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Dr. Manish Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in porcelain veneers, dental implants and Invisalign in Sydney. He is also a medical doctor with an expertise in sleep & craniofacial pain medicine practising at Smile Concepts.
