These Web pages offer guidance on foods to avoid and how to eat in a way that won't harm your braces. Following is a listing of foods you should eat – or avoid – while wearing braces or other appliances. Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Hard foods — nuts, hard candies. Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats. Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits. It's important to brush after every meal — at least three times daily in order to maintain healthy gums and avoid tooth decay and staining. If you need some wax, please let us know. Corn chips and hard tacos.
If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain. Don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! If you wear braces or other appliances, you need to give your teeth a break from heavy chewing. If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Try to avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. It's much too hard on your teeth, even without braces. To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Jaw movement and food chewing can loosen braces. Foods to Avoid When Wearing Braces. Sticky or hard chocolate. And to avoid broken or loose braces, don't bite your fingernails, chew on pencils or pens or open or pry things with your teeth.
Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose. Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes. Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake. Foods to avoid with braces: - Chewy foods — bagels, licorice.
Although braces have become sturdier with modern technology, it's still important to be careful not to damage them. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes.
If you have any specific dietary concerns, or other questions, please be sure to ask us about them. Avoid carbonated and high-sugar beverages: - Seltzer water. In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. Sticky and hard candy. Carbonated fruit juice. Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! In general, while wearing braces or other appliances, be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection. Loose Wires and Bands. Take Care of Your Appliances. Playing Sports with Braces. If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. However, this is not an exhaustive list, so you must use common sense and your own good judgment.
Your treatment is more likely to progress on schedule and be more comfortable if you don't break your braces or wires. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you. Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice. It's important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.