We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s even more important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you begin your orthodontic treatment.
Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why our team at Kennell Orthodontics recommends that you brush and floss after every meal.
When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to three to five days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.
You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?”
Here are a few soft foods that do not require you to do much chewing and are easy to chew on when your teeth are sore:
In the first couple of days, stick to liquid-based foods like yogurts, pudding and soups. Mashed potatoes are a good option as well. You can also cook fruits and vegetables to make them softer. Ice cream, cool soups, Jell-O, scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, oatmeal, baked potatoes, soft cooked pasta, soup, bananas, cottage cheese, smoothies, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, soft cheeses, and milk are all foods you can eat safely without having to worry about pain or breaking your brackets.
It’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.
Lastly, in addition to visiting Kennell Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional checkups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.
Here are some helpful tips for anyone with braces:
- Cold foods and drinks are very soothing to sore gums, try drinking milk as it neutralizes acids in your mouth and soothes your gums.
- Do not eat sticky or hard foods and make sure to brush, floss, rinse with mouth wash, and rinse with salt water every night. Rinsing with salt water will help ease pain and irritation in your mouth.
- Wear lip salve when you go for checkups and braces tightening. It will prevent you from getting crinkly lips afterwards.
- Taking a pain pill before bed will make it easier to sleep, as braces usually hurt most when you are lying down or on your side.
- Don't keep on eating something if it starts hurting.
- If you can't brush your teeth after meals, at least rinse your mouth.
- Avoid soft drinks, as most have lots of acid and sugar. This can erode teeth and dental equipment and can also leave white spots. Excessive drinking of soft drinks can lead to cavities.
