Braces are still the most common orthodontic treatment. Braces can straighten your teeth, align your bite, and correct a myriad of orthodontic issues. Starting braces treatment comes with a few changes, one of which is how and what you eat.
You may know there are some things you shouldn’t eat with braces because they can bend your wires and cause brackets to pop off. But instead of focusing on what you can’t eat, consider all the delicious foods you can eat with braces. Here’s a guide to eating with braces that can help you get through your treatment with minimal problems.
What To Eat When Your Mouth is Sore
Getting braces put on for the first time can cause a bit of discomfort. Your teeth are being shifted out of their usual position for the first time, which causes the muscles and ligaments that hold your teeth in place to become sore. The brackets and wires can irritate the inside of your lips and cheeks as well, because the soft tissues of your mouth are not used to the metal edges. In the first few days after getting braces, stick to soft foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup without chunks
- Pudding
- Jello
- Ice cream
Cold foods and drinks can reduce swelling and inflammation, which can help reduce soreness. After a few days your teeth should be less sore, so it may be ok to move to slightly more solid foods, such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Cheese
- Bread
- Beans
- Soft fruits
- Cooked soft vegetables
Everyone’s recovery time differs, so eat based on how you feel. If you’re ready for more solid foods in just a few days, feel free to eat what works for you. Or stick to the softer diet longer if need be.
How to Make Problem Foods Safe for Braces
There are some foods that are problematic when you eat them with braces. But for a lot of the problem foods there are ways to make them safer to eat. Here are some tips:
- Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables into bite size pieces.
- Cook fruits and vegetables to soften them.
- Cut pizza crust or crusty bread into bite size pieces and consider dipping them in sauce, butter, or oil to soften them up.
- Cut meat into smaller pieces.
- Eat popcorn that doesn’t have kernels.
- Suck on hard or chewy candy without chewing it.
- Brush your teeth immediately after drinking dark soft drinks or anything that may stain your teeth.
- Eat soft pretzels instead of hard or crunchy pretzels.
- Eat bubble gum flavored ice cream rather than chewing gum if you want to get the same flavor.
Having braces doesn’t have to restrict your eating as much as you may expect. There are still plenty of ways to eat the foods you love even while you have braces. And next thing you know you’re getting your braces off and you can enjoy anything you’ve been missing.
Demko Orthodontics Provides Braces Treatment
Do you need orthodontic treatment? Children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 to determine if early intervention is needed. Braces treatment is most common between the ages of 11-14, but they can be effective at any age, even for adults. Braces can transform your smile and improve your dental and oral health.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.