Have you recently had braces installed? Well, braces are one of the most common dental correction procedures that are on offer. Not only are they reasonably affordable, but they also give you that effortlessly beautiful smile. However, while the braces give benefits in the long-run, they sometimes pose difficulty in eating. You cannot jump right into eating what you were used to before you got the braces. You have categories of foods that you can eat and others that you cannot eat. We spoke to the award-winning orthodontic team at Birchgrove Dental, in Cardiff. They explained the foods that you cannot eat when you have braces. They also gave invaluable tips to keep your braces durable and in the right condition.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sugary Foods
In most scenarios, taking sugary foods in excess affects dental health. You should limit the intake of sugary foods as particles may stick on the teeth and braces, leading to the decaying of the teeth. As you have had the braces installed, you need to avoid sugar-filled foods and drinks. If you must take, you can go the natural way. Take naturally sweet drinks and use a straw. Once you are through with the meal, you must brush your teeth to remove the sugars as fast as possible.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Hard and crunchy textured foods can damage your braces. Foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard cookies, and candies should be avoided during this time. These foods not only hurt your gums but also weaken the brackets of the braces. In extreme instances, they can bend the wires, and this can be detrimental. Additionally, these foods may also stick into the braces, and this causes discomfort and pain, especially when you cannot remove them. When the pieces remain in the braces for too long, they can cause tooth decay. If you must eat cookies, you can soak them in some tea, milk, or juice to make them supple and soft.
Chewy Foods
Since the braces are unnatural ways to correct teeth, they may cause discomfort when gna
wing and chewing. You should avoid chewy food such as tough meat, beef jerky, bagels, and chewy rolls. In most times, thick pizza crusts may also be a little difficult to chew for people with braces. They can cause damage to the braces, loosen the tenacity, and bend the wires. It may be even more uncomfortable to bite these foods.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are generally not great for you. They are even worse for braces due to the potential damage they may cause. If pieces stick in the braces, you risk getting tooth decay. After having the braces, you should be careful with anything sticky as it may cut up and roll up in the braces’ wires. Avoid chewing gums, taffy, gummy candy, liquorice, and caramels. The restrictions are only for a while, and you can resume once the teeth are okay.
Staining Foods
When you have braces, you should avoid foods and drinks with intense colors as this can stain the brace bands. Foods such as berries, beetroots, and grape juice can leave undesirable stains on your teeth. You may also want to avoid acidic drinks as they potentially corrode your braces. While the stains do not affect the braces’ effectiveness, they sure do leave an undesirable look in the mouth. It is more of a protective measure for the braces than for your teeth.
Non-Food Items
More often than not, people find themselves picking their nails, biting pens, pencils, or other non-food items. When you have braces, you may want to avoid eating or biting non-food items. Do not chew any ice cubes as this dangerous habit could potentially cause damage to the newly-acquired braces.
Conclusion
Getting braces is a huge step. It helps you get started on your teeth correction procedures. However, while it is a plausible idea, you must brace up for the changes, including avoiding certain foods. You can limit your intake of these foods and prolong the life of these braces. Additionally, the avoidance breeds faster results hence worthwhile.
