You’ve got your new braces – congratulations! You have begun your journey to straight teeth and a healthy aligned smile. Now you will have to make a few changes to your daily eating habits to keep your orthodontic care on track.
Wearing braces doesn’t mean you have to eat boring or pureed food. You can have a variety of delicious foods – just make sure to keep your teeth healthy by brushing and flossing diligently. It is also imperative to keep your orthodontic appliance safe. This means to choose foods that will prevent damage to the wires, bands, and brackets of your braces when eating.
You can have oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, sandwiches, and salads (without nuts), fish, chicken, cooked veggies, bananas, and string cheese. You want to go for foods that don’t require you to chew too much, especially after a braces adjustment. You can have fruits like pears and apples – just be sure to cut them first into thin slices. Always steam or cook crunchy veggies so they can be softer to chew.
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontics, you should avoid eating foods that are hard, sticky and/or crunchy. This includes caramel, popcorn kernels, nuts, and tortilla chips. Be sure to try and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks as well in order to prevent tooth decay.
Healthy eating is important for good oral health and to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. In addition, a diligent oral hygiene routine is also crucial. Brushing, flossing and rinsing after every meal should be a daily habit when you have braces.
If you have questions about your new lifestyle with braces, our team at Unionville Orthodontics is here to help! We also accept new patients in the Markham community and surrounding areas, and a referral is not required. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile!
