Orthodontic Diet Chart – Precautions with diet and food when you get braces

Getting braces is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit of an adjustment. Your teeth and gums will be more sensitive than usual, and you’ll need to be careful about what you eat to avoid damaging your new braces.

Here are some precautions to take with your diet and food when you first get braces:

• Eat soft foods. For the first few days after getting braces, it’s best to stick to soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. This includes things like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. As your mouth and teeth adjust, you can gradually start to add more solid foods to your diet.
• Cut food into small pieces. Even if you’re eating soft foods, it’s still important to cut them into small pieces. This will help you avoid putting too much pressure on your braces and reduce the risk of food getting stuck.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of foods can damage your braces and make it difficult to clean your teeth. Some examples of foods to avoid include:
  • Hard candies
  • Gum
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery
  • Tough meats
  • Chewy breads and rolls
• Avoid hot and cold foods. Extreme temperatures can irritate your mouth and gums, so it’s best to avoid hot and cold foods for the first few days after getting braces.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with braces. Water helps to flush out food particles and keep your mouth clean.

Here are some additional tips for eating with braces:

• Use your back teeth. When you’re chewing, try to use your back teeth as much as possible. This will help to reduce the amount of pressure on your braces.
• Chew slowly and carefully. Take your time chewing each bite and make sure that your food is completely chewed before swallowing.
• Be careful with sticky foods. If you do eat sticky foods, be sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately afterwards.
• Avoid biting into hard foods. Instead, cut your food into small pieces and chew it with your back teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns about eating with braces, be sure to talk to your OoLi Team. We can provide you with personalized advice and help you to make the most of your orthodontic treatment.

Potential problems while you have braces and possible home care solutions

Braces are a great way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. However, wearing braces can also come with some challenges. Here are some of the most common problems that people experience while wearing braces, as well as some possible home care solutions:

Problem: Food getting stuck in your braces

Solution: Use a water flosser to flush out food particles from your braces and teeth. You can also use a soft toothbrush to gently brush around your braces.

Problem: Loose brackets or wires

Solution: If a bracket or wire comes loose, contact your orthodontist right away. They will need to repair or replace the bracket or wire as soon as possible to avoid possible damage to your teeth and lengthening your treatment time. If band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes off completely, place it in Zip-Lock bag and bring it in to your repair appointment. With loose wire, try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clipper behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it.

Problem: Poking wire

Solution: Try to push sticking wire down with spoon or eraser. If not possible, place wax on it. If these do not help, come in as soon as possible.

Problem: Pain and discomfort

Solution: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and discomfort from braces. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time.

Problem: Irritated gums

Solution: Salt water rinses can help to soothe irritated gums. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. You can do this several times a day.

Problem: Cavities

Solution: It is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly, especially while wearing braces. Be sure to brush around your braces carefully and use a fluoride toothpaste.

Here are some additional tips for home care while wearing braces

• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will help to keep your teeth and gums strong. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed carbohydrates, as these can increase your risk of cavities.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects. Chewing on hard objects, such as pens, pencils, and ice, can damage your braces.
• Be careful when playing sports. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth.
• Keep your braces clean. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and be sure to brush around your braces carefully. You may also want to use a water flosser to flush out food particles from your braces and teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns about home care while wearing braces, be sure to talk to your OoLi Team. We can provide you with personalized advice and help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.