It can be really exciting to finally take that first step towards changing your smile by starting braces treatment. After all, you’ll be improving your oral health and working on the straighter smile you’ve always wanted. This is definitely worth celebrating but don’t forget that orthodontic treatment can also bring quite a few changes in your life. While many of these changes are relatively small in the grand scheme of things, some can take some getting used to. For many people, food restrictions are one of the biggest learning curves when it comes to braces treatment. To start on the right path with your treatment and to learn more about the 5 best foods for braces, keep reading below!
To protect both your teeth and your appliance, it’s important to avoid certain foods until the orthodontic process is complete. We understand that this can be a little frustrating. Brodsky Orthodontics is here to make your orthodontic journey as positive and stress-free as possible! We’ve put together a few of our favorite tips to help you cope with any challenging dietary changes. We’ve also included information on some of our favorite foods to eat while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces.
Be patient
Braces require a pretty significant time investment, and while treatment can sometimes feel like it’s taking forever, it really will come to an end! All the hard work you put into the process will be more than worth it when we remove your braces and reveal your beautiful new smile. Patience is an essential part of the process, but if you can accept that you’ll have a few limitations for a while and commit to following our recommendations, you’ll finish treatment before you know it.
Healthier teeth lead to a healthier life
It’s important for everyone to have a good oral hygiene routine, orthodontic patient or not. When you’re in braces, however, it becomes even more essential to take good care of your teeth and gums. We recommend brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time, as well as flossing every night before bed.
Along with brushing and flossing regularly, you should aim to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at some of the best foods for your body and your braces below!
Smoothies
As a braces patient, you may have some days where nothing sounds good and eating feels like a bit of a chore. That’s why smoothies are an orthodontic staple! With an endless variety of fruits, vegetables, and other add-ons to choose from, smoothies are an excellent way to get a quick blast of healthy vitamins and minerals. The cool temperature and smooth texture can also help soothe any soreness you may be feeling by decreasing swelling and creating a slight numbing sensation for your gums and teeth.
Yogurt
Similar to smoothies, yogurt can be a soothing treat whether you like it plain, Greek, or topped with soft fruit and honey! Yogurt comes with an extra boost of beneficial bacteria as well as being high in calcium and protein. The probiotics it contains help crowd out bad bacteria in your gums, but remember to brush your teeth afterward since even plain yogurt has some sugar. Even naturally occurring sugar can cause issues if left on your teeth for an extended period of time. For the most benefit, look for brands with no added sugar at all.
Soup
It might be the first thing you think of when you’re not feeling good, but did you know a big bowl of steaming soup is perfect for aching mouths, too? Chicken soup is one of our favorites. The broth comes loaded with minerals, gelatin, and collagen, all of which are an essential part of keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy. The protein and vitamins can even speed up the rate at which you heal, something that can be helpful when you have any irritation in your mouth! Soup, in general, is also great for giving your jaws and teeth a break from chewing when your teeth and gums are feeling tender.
Sweet potatoes
You might see them most often around the holidays, but sweet potatoes can hit the spot any time! They’re also a great way to get a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamin A, which helps to maintain the mucous membranes and soft tissue of the gums, and also contain keratin, which helps in the formation of tooth enamel. Bake them, boil them, or mash them, and they’re soft enough to eat if your teeth and jaws are sore following an adjustment while still being filling.
Fish
Any time your mouth is feeling sore, you may want to avoid putting any extra pressure on your teeth. Chewing food like beef, pork, or chicken can feel like a lot of work, even if it’s tender and cut up small. Fish, however, is a fantastic alternative because it’s naturally soft and flaky. Studies have also shown a link between the omega-3 fatty acids in fish and lower rates of gum disease thanks to them naturally lowering the kind of inflammation that occurs when bacteria irritates your gums. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are also good sources of vitamin D, which can help your body to absorb and use calcium more effectively. This gives your oral health a boost, since calcium protects the teeth and gums from disease.
We make braces work for you at Brodsky Orthodontics
Many patients find that the first few weeks in braces are the hardest. But your gums and mouth adjust to them quickly, and when they do, chewing and eating won’t feel quite so strange! Braces can take a little effort at first, especially when it comes to food, but remember that the treatment process is only temporary. Before you know it, we’ll be taking your braces off and revealing a beautiful new smile!
Orthodontic treatment gives you the opportunity to make healthy changes that will benefit almost every aspect of your life, from your teeth to your overall health to your confidence. Braces with Brodsky Orthodontics will give you a big reason to smile! If you’re in Lakewood or the surrounding areas and are ready to embark on your own orthodontic adventure, get in touch today! We’ll be happy to schedule a FREE consultation for you to get you started.