Top Foods to Avoid With Your New Braces

While braces might be a bit of an inconvenience, keep in mind that they’re only a temporary inconvenience – and the end result is almost always worth it. Aside from trips to the orthodontist, learning how to brush and floss with braces, and potential irritation and discomfort once they’re first put on, one other thing you have to keep in mind with orthodontics is that there are certain foods you should not eat. Here’s a look:

Common Symptoms After Getting New Braces

After braces are administered, it’s not uncommon to have some tenderness in the teeth and gums. The good news is that this subsides within a few days. The bad news, however, is that it can make eating in the immediate aftermath a little more complicated. It’s generally recommended that you stick to soft foods for the first three to five days after getting new braces. Because the teeth may be tender, biting into certain tough or hard foods can be uncomfortable. Sticking to softer foods until your teeth and mouth grow accustomed to your new braces can help. If the discomfort is too much, consider taking some over-the-counter pain reliever.

Foods to Avoid With New Braces

While you should stick to soft foods for the first few days after getting new braces, you’ll be able to move on to tough and hard foods shortly. However, there still are certain foods that you should stray away from with braces. Generally, this includes anything that’s hard or sticky. Here’s a look at some foods you’ll want to be sure to avoid or else risk damage to your braces:

• Popcorn
• Certain candies, such as licorice, caramels, gum and hard candies
• Ice
• Corn on the cob
• Apples and carrots
• Hard rolls

Additionally, you should do your best to eliminate any bad habits to prevent damage to your braces, such as refraining from chewing on fingernails, pencils, etc. Damage to your braces can mean more frequent return trips to the orthodontist and potentially even a prolonged period wearing the braces.

For more information on foods to avoid with your new braces, contact us today.