Despite the fact that braces have gotten more durable over time, it is still necessary to exercise caution in order to avoid damaging them. If you are getting orthodontic treatment, it is critical that you avoid certain foods that might increase your chance of developing cavities or causing damage to your braces.
Sugary and starchy meals contribute to the formation of plaque acid, which can lead to tooth decay and the progression of gum disease. Sweets that are sticky and chewy, such as caramel, fudge, and toffee, can cause wire damage and loosen brackets as well.
What food should someone who is wearing braces avoid?
In general, people with braces should avoid all meals that are sticky, firm, or chewy since they might damage braces or reduce the effectiveness of their braces' impact. Foods to avoid when wearing braces include the following, to name some examples:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Sticky/hard candy
- Sticky/hard chocolate
- Gum
- Ice
- Corn chips and pretzels
- Hard cookies or crackers
What food can someone who is wearing braces eat?
Foods that are soft are normally the most recommended for those who wear braces since they are less harsh on the hardware. Foods that you can consume while wearing braces include the following, to name some examples:
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits without pits (bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc.)
- Light crackers or cookies
- Cheese
- Hullless popcorn
- Mashed potatoes
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and other noodle dishes
Wearers of braces should also avoid biting into hard meals with their front teeth when they are wearing braces. When it is feasible, chop up the following hard meals into smaller pieces to make them more manageable:
- Raw vegetables
- Hard bread or rolls
- Fruit
- Thin crust pizza
- Meat and Burgers
- Corn on the cob
Straightening your teeth with braces can take years, and any damage to the braces' wires or brackets can extend the length of your therapy. Make sure you eat foods that are safe to eat while wearing braces and that you take proper dental care.
How can I keep my braces clean?
To begin, remove any elastics, bands, or removable orthodontic components from your mouth and secure them in an out-of-the-mouth area. After that, fill a cup halfway with water and rinse your mouth with it. By swishing a tiny quantity of water around the inside of your mouth, you can dislodge food particles and other foreign objects.
When brushing your braces, keep the 45-degree rule in mind. Brush the bottom teeth slightly upward to gain access to the bracket groove, as well as the top teeth slightly downward to gain access to the bracket groove. Food will usually become trapped on the sides of your braces and in between your cheek and teeth. Make it a habit to brush your teeth with a toothpick or floss after meals. Brushing should be easier as a result of this.
When wearing braces, flossing is still feasible. To get behind the wire, though, you should use dental floss with hard points or flossing lassos. Additionally, you may want a toothbrush with stiffer bristles to avoid getting your brushes stuck in or damaged by your brackets.
