Eating With Braces

Nearly every patient experiences some degree of soreness in their mouth and teeth once braces are put into place. Expect tenderness due to biting pressure for three to five days. This sensation will surpass. It can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash, or you may take aspirin to alleviate the feeling. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can place wax on the braces to lessen the results of this.

Now that your braces are on…..what can you eat? Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Remember, it is very important to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you are wearing braces. Limit foods which are high in sugars, such as sodas and sweets. These items can cause decay to your teeth around and under the brackets. Drinking through a straw is a good idea for most drinks.

Foods to Avoid:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice, chewy candies
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, potato chips, hard taco shells, corn chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum, taffy
• Hard foods: nuts, candies, pizza crust
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

There are some alternatives to enjoy, such as puffed corn without the seeds found in popcorn. Raw fruits and vegetables can be very thinly sliced in order to eat without damaging your braces. Corn cut off the cob is the best way to eat this food. Our staff can answer any questions you may have on foods to avoid during your treatment time.

Don't be alarmed if a wire, bracket or band comes loose. Occasionally this will happen. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check, clip or repair any broken appliances.  Your treatment will be delayed, lengthening your treatment time if broken appliances are left unattended!