Parents of children who have to wear the braces fear problems with food since the little ones are already naturally cautious of the novelties on the table. If, on the one hand, fruit, vegetables, soups, and broths have few fans, on the other hand, a slice of pizza or cake is always appreciated. Fortunately, braces do not limit the nutrition of children and adults even if they cause some discomfort.
In general, the first 2 or 3 days are the most critical ones, then the discomfort disappears gradually, and the child gets used to the presence of the braces and the metallic taste in the mouth. The MC20 dentist’s advice is to eat soft foods for the first few days, although a hamburger or a nice plate of pasta is also recommended for those who wear orthodontic braces.
As pain and discomfort subside, you can continue to eat your usual foods, paying attention to which ones you bite, regardless of whether they are hard or soft. The foods to be avoided are few, and they are mainly snacks and sweets, whose consumption must be limited in any case.
What foods to avoid with the appliance?
Those who wear fixed or mobile braces should avoid all sticky foods, such as candy and chewing gum, which increase the risk of tooth decay. Not only that: the effort of chewing risks bending the wires of the braces and blowing up the attachments.
For the same reason, it is vital to avoid hard and crunchy foods such as nougat, pizza crust, and hard candies. Other foods to consume with caution and moderation are apples, carrots, and crunchy fruits and vegetables, to cut into small, easy-to-chew pieces.
Lastly, MC20 dentists recommend that you beware of wiry foods such as meat and ham fat which, rolling around the metal wires and slipping into the brackets, is particularly difficult to remove.
MC20’s advice for wearers
Unlike common belief, wearing orthodontic braces does not mean reversing your eating habits. Instead, it is a matter of paying attention to certain behaviors and using common sense.
The main recommendation of MC20 dentists is to pay particular attention to oral hygiene since the appliance leads to the accumulation of food residues on the teeth, which are hard to eliminate with standard brushing. For this reason, the advice for young and old is to brush your teeth after each meal and add the daily use of dental floss.
A second recommendation concerns the way to eat: it is better to avoid big bites and cut the food into small pieces that are easy to chew. This way, you won’t risk blowing the brackets or bending and damaging the braces.
When to contact your trusted dentist
If the discomfort is caused by food residues, then a brush can be used in addition to brushing and flossing. If, on the other hand, a protruding thread is felt with the tongue, the dentist will apply orthodontic wax or regulate the braces. For this reason, if the sensation of discomfort and pain does not disappear a week after braces application, the advice is to have a check-up by your trusted dentist.
For example, at MC20, we are always ready to offer patients of all ages assistance before, during, and after orthodontic appliance installation, answering the most common questions and doubts. Among these are the tips for oral hygiene and nutrition, even if – as mentioned – putting the brace does not mean changing your life and habitual behaviors.