Braces offer a wide range of benefits. However, you will probably feel a little uncomfortable and sore when you first get them. It takes time for your teeth and gums to get used to the pressure of the brackets and wires. The process can be quite tough, especially during the first few weeks.
When you have braces on, you may also notice that your teeth do not align the way they used to, altering the way you chew. This makes it challenging to eat with braces. You need to learn about what to expect in terms of lifestyle adjustments so you are well-prepared to go about your daily life with this new appliance.
Here are some eating tips for new braces wearers.
Eating With Braces
Getting braces can make your mouth more sensitive in the days following your appointment. Here are a few suggestions to help you through the entirety of the treatment.
Eat soft foods
Your teeth and gums could hurt during the first week after you have braces put on. The first step in easing any discomfort while you get used to the pressure of your new treatment is to choose a softer diet. Eating soft meals while wearing braces will be a lifesaver. You will eventually be able to eat steak after a while, but for now, a little patience in the first few weeks is necessary.
Avoid hard and sticky foods
In addition to eating soft foods, it is also best to avoid hard and sticky foods when you get braces. These types of food can potentially break the wires or bands of the braces, or even separate the brackets from the tooth.
Avoid food items like sticky candies, gum, nuts, and seeds. These can get caught in your brackets and make you feel uncomfortable until you brush your teeth. Sticky foods can adhere to your brackets and can be difficult to remove.
Chew carefully
It is also advisable to be patient. Getting used to wearing your braces may take a few days. You can chew comfortably without harming your braces or aggravating your gums by chewing slowly or choosing a softer diet. After the first week and becoming accustomed to your braces and your altered chewing, you will have more food options.
Eat using the side of the mouth
Your front teeth may become so sensitive when you first get braces that it may be nearly impossible to bite into anything for a while. You need to get accustomed to biting using your side teeth instead. Additionally, developing the habit of eating using the side of your mouth may decrease the discomfort experienced after each adjustment.
Have something cold
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Can I eat ice cream with braces?” The answer is yes. Treat yourself to something cold!
Having braces can be painful and uncomfortable. The cold will temporarily ease the discomfort. The idea that having braces makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold is a common misconception. While this might be the truth in certain cases, eating something cold, such as ice cream or frozen fruit, might actually lessen the discomfort your gums feel as your braces become tighter.
What Can You Eat With New Braces
Food restrictions are not uncommon when you get braces, but there are many foods on the menu that are allowed for people with braces. Here are some of the best food options.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of protein that you may eat during the first week of getting braces. Your sore teeth and gums will feel better because yogurt is typically kept cool. Additionally, since it does not need chewing, you will not even need to use your jaw and teeth to eat this food.
Fish
Fish is an excellent alternative if you need some meat in your diet but are not quite ready for beef, pork, or chicken. Fish even has a great flavour whether it is fried, roasted, or boiled. Additionally, you won’t have any trouble chewing it even if your jaw is still in pain because it is naturally soft and flaky.
Fruits
Fruit is a fantastic snack or side dish for any meal. Try soft fruits like peaches, bananas, blueberries, cherries, and grapes. For people with braces, these can be delectable alternatives. However, fruits that are crisp, like apples, should be consumed with caution.
Vegetables
When you first wear braces, raw vegetables may be difficult to chew on. Fortunately, there are several methods to cook vegetables to make them soft enough to eat. Cooked vegetables are incredibly nutritious and easy to eat even with braces on. Both boiling and baking are viable options for cooking. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and zucchini still have enough taste to be enjoyable even when softened.
Soup
Soup is the ideal food for new braces. In the first week after receiving braces, a warm soup is an excellent meal. You do not have to worry about doing much chewing to consume it. Additionally, the protein, vitamins, and minerals they contain will help keep you healthy and speed up the healing of your mouth.
Eggs
In addition to being incredibly nutritious, eggs are a fantastic food option for new braces wearers because they do not require your sore teeth to exert a lot of effort when biting. They are also more substantial than yogurt while being soft enough to consume easily. In addition, there are numerous ways to cook eggs. You can make a healthy breakfast by topping them with different cheeses, sour cream, tomatoes, or avocado.
Smoothies
One of the best foods to get while wearing braces is a smoothie. You won’t ever grow tired of making them because you can use a variety of ingredients from fruits and vegetables to other proteins and fluids.
Oats And Oatmeal
Other quick options that are great soft lunch foods for braces wearers are oatmeal or oats. Add some fresh berries and cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, or both to your oatmeal for a wonderful quick breakfast. Oatmeal is also incredibly filling; you will eat less during the day.
You and your family’s oral health must always be the top priority. Springdale Dental Centre is a family-friendly dental clinic that provides exceptional dental services for all your family’s needs. To schedule your visit to a family dentist in Brampton, reach us at (905) 458-1212.
