Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your oral health, and something worth celebrating! If you’re planning on using braces to straighten your smile, you may be equal parts excited and nervous. Like any new adventure, braces will come with quite a few changes, some small and some large. For example, your smile will look different in the mirror, and your mouth can feel a little weird at first, too. That’s because your teeth won’t be touching in the same way they used to, which can change the way you chew and temporarily affect the way you speak. Don’t worry – this is all normal, and most importantly, it won’t last forever!
Once your teeth begin shifting in response to treatment, your mouth will adapt. Chewing and biting will start to feel more natural again, and within a month or so, you should be able to eat most orthodontist-approved foods. Here at Krieger Orthodontics, we want the time you spend in braces to be as rewarding and stress-free as possible! To help you cope with some of the common challenges that can come with braces treatment, we’ve put together a few of our favorite tips plus a list of foods that are good for you and safe for your appliance. Keep reading below to learn more!
Braces aren’t forever – but a beautiful smile is
However long you’re in braces, it can sometimes feel like your orthodontic journey will never end. We promise, they really will come off eventually! Considering that the many benefits will last a lifetime, braces are actually a relatively brief time commitment, but patience is a big part of the process. If you can accept from the beginning that you’ll have a few limitations for a while, it will help things go more smoothly. Remember, all your hard work will be more than worth it once your braces come off and we reveal your beautiful new smile!
5 foods that are orthodontist-approved as good for you
Good oral health is important, but it goes beyond simple brushing and flossing. In order to give your teeth and gums the best care, you should aim to drink about eight glasses of water each day and eat a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Not sure what a diet like that would look like? Here are a few examples of foods that are safe for braces and good for you, too.
Eggs
They’re incredible, edible, and super versatile! You can have eggs for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anywhere in between. Whether you prefer them to be scrambled, boiled, or poached, they’ll almost always be soft enough to eat even when your mouth is feeling tender. Eggs are rich in both protein and calcium, which helps keep your teeth and bones healthy, especially when combined with vitamin D. The protein especially helps to reduce tooth decay, especially if you’re following a good dental hygiene plan.
They’re incredible, edible, and super versatile! You can have eggs for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anywhere in between. Whether you prefer them to be scrambled, boiled, or poached, they’ll almost always be soft enough to eat even when your mouth is feeling tender. Eggs are rich in both protein and calcium, which helps keep your teeth and bones healthy, especially when combined with vitamin D. The protein especially helps to reduce tooth decay, especially if you’re following a good dental hygiene plan.
Smoothies
Both the temperature and texture of a smoothie can help soothe any oral discomfort you may be experiencing by decreasing swelling and creating a numbing sensation in your gums. The flavor combinations you can create are practically endless, and they’re fun to make and take with you on the go! Serve your smoothie in a glass on its own or in a bowl with healthy toppings like fruit and honey for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Yogurt
Yogurt has a texture that’s similar to smoothies, and is another great snacking option for when your mouth is feeling sore. Because it’s high in calcium and protein, it can help strengthen your teeth. Yogurt is also good for your gums thanks to the extra boost of beneficial bacteria you get from the probiotics it contains. These help to crowd out the bad bacteria that can lead to cavities. Speaking of tooth decay, even plain yogurt has naturally-occurring sugars, so be sure to brush your teeth after you indulge in it.
Fish
Sometimes the thought of chewing even small pieces of beef, pork, or chicken feels like too much effort if your mouth is sore. Fish can be a fantastic alternative, with lots of healthy fats in a soft and flaky package! The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish have been linked with lower rates of gum disease because they naturally decrease inflammation. Not only that, but fatty fish like salmon and Atlantic mackerel are good sources of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb and use calcium effectively. This is a big deal for your oral health since calcium protects the teeth and gums from disease.
Fruit & veg
When your braces are new, it’s best to avoid certain types of raw fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and celery. You’ll need to be careful with them throughout treatment, too, since their crunch can be hard on your brackets and wires. However, baking, boiling, or roasting them gives them just enough softness to eat safely. Most salads are also fine to consume with braces, just take care to steer clear of the croutons! Eating a rainbow has a multitude of benefits, but the vitamin C in fruits and veggies is especially helpful in protecting gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infections.
Krieger Orthodontics will help you find your best smile with braces
We’ve been working as orthodontic specialists for a long time, so we’re familiar with how frustrating braces can be sometimes, especially when it comes to food. That’s why our expert team is committed to providing you with the most comfortable treatment options and the highest-quality orthodontic care. We hope you’ll find this guide helpful in making good choices for your teeth and body!
If you’re a current braces patient and have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan, we’re always here to help. If you’re not a patient, but you’ve been thinking about improving your smile with orthodontics, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to schedule a FREE consultation for you! Your best smile could be right around the corner.
