Most foods can be enjoyed with braces, while a few should be avoided for the duration of treatment.
If you have chosen to straighten your teeth with the help of braces, there are a few foods that are best avoided during your treatment. These include chewy and hard foods that can cause damage to the components of your braces. Although there are a few things that you shouldn’t eat, there are plenty of foods that you can enjoy. Read on to find out which foods you can eat with braces, and which ones you should avoid…
What can you eat after having your braces fitted?
When you first have your braces placed, you may experience some sensitivity for a few days. This is completely normal and will resolve with time. If your mouth feels tender, it is advisable to eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Some good options include mashed fruits and vegetables, like potatoes and avocadoes; yoghurt; soup; soft pasta; scrambled eggs; seafood and soft cheeses. Within a week you should be able to chew normally and resume your usual diet.
Which foods should be avoided at first?
There are a few foods that are best avoided right after you have had your braces fitted. Foods that can irritate the mouth and cause sensitivity in the first few days after having your braces placed include spicy and citrus foods, ice cream, thick and tough meat, and thick pieces of bread. Once you have adjusted to the feeling of your new braces, you should be able to enjoy these types of foods.
What should you avoid throughout treatment?
To keep your braces in good condition and avoid damage, there are some foods that you must avoid for the duration of your orthodontic treatment. These include foods that are particularly hard and sticky, as these can break the wires and bands, or cause the brackets to become separated from the teeth. Some foods that should be avoided with braces include hard and chewy candy; popcorn; whole nuts; chewing gum; hard breads like bagels, pretzels and pizza crusts; and crunchy chips. It is also a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages whilst you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Sugary foods tend to cause plaque, which can cause oral health issues like tooth decay.
How can you take care of your braces?
Besides making good dietary choices, you can also prevent damage to your braces by sticking to good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth three times a day (ideally after meals). To remove food particles from your braces, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as well as dental floss. A floss threader can make the flossing process easier.
It is also important that you see your orthodontist for regular check-ups, as well as your dentist for general check-ups and cleans. This will ensure that any plaque that has built up can be removed, and that your oral hygiene is properly maintained throughout your orthodontic treatment. When you see your orthodontist for check-ups, they will check that your braces fit properly and that all the components remain in good condition.
How can we help?
At South East Orthodontics, we offer SureSmile braces, which involves the use of computer technology and robotic machinery to create customised treatment plans. If you are considering braces, please have a look here to find out more about the treatment and what it involves.
To arrange a consultation to see us, please give us a call on 03 9330 0702 or get in touch with us here. Our team is available to answer any questions that you have regarding your orthodontic treatment and is happy to provide you with any information that you need about life with braces.
Besides traditional braces, we also offer lingual braces, clear aligners and retainers. Our team is also able to perform surgical treatments where necessary.