Eating with orthodontic appliances

Eating habits can be a little different and require a little more care when wearing braces. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Avoid sticky or chewy foods: Foods like gum, caramel, hard candy, beef jerky, and popcorn can get stuck in your braces and make brushing difficult.

2. Avoid hard foods: Hard foods like whole apples, raw carrots, and French bread can damage braces.

3. Cut food into smaller pieces: Cutting food into smaller pieces makes chewing easier and reduces the risk of damaging your braces. For example, instead of biting into a whole apple, cut it into thin slices. It's also recommended to avoid biting directly into foods with your front teeth, such as sandwiches, and opt for foods that can be cut into smaller pieces.

4. It's important to remember that, even if you follow these recommendations, food residue may still get stuck in your braces. Therefore, it's essential to practice good oral hygiene daily, including brushing and flossing, to prevent problems like cavities and gum inflammation. It's also important to avoid highly sugary or over-the-counter foods, which can harm your oral health.

5. It's also recommended to use mouthwash to help prevent plaque buildup and keep your breath fresh. It's worth remembering that poor oral hygiene can lead to problems like cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath, which can be even more harmful when wearing braces. Therefore, it's important to follow a daily care routine to maintain good oral health.

6. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks: Soda, concentrated juices, and other sugary drinks can damage your teeth and increase your risk of cavities. Furthermore, carbonated drinks can damage orthodontic appliances, so it's recommended to avoid them or consume them in moderation.

7. Be careful when eating fibrous foods: Fibrous foods, such as stringy meats or fruits with thick skins, can get stuck in braces and are difficult to remove.