The Safest Way to Eat with Braces | Palos Hills IL Orthodontist

Oak Lawn, IL Orthodontist
Orthodontist In Palos Hills

Wearing traditional braces calls for making some changes to the way you eat. What you consume and what you avoid will directly affect the condition of your teeth during orthodontic treatment and after. Here are some types of foods to steer clear of when you are wearing braces, and tips to carefully enjoy some of your favorites.

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Eating Hard Foods with Orthodontics

Eating harder foods can be harmful during orthodontic treatment because they can bend or break wires and even displace brackets. Try to avoid them after you have had your wires changed, since teeth are most tender at this stage.

Here are foods to avoid and careful ways to eat solids:

  • Avoid chewing on ice. You can suck on ice cubes but never bite them. Cubes and chips can easily dislodge orthodontics.
  • Before eating meaty foods like ribs or chicken wings, carefully check for and remove the bones. This prevents you from accidentally chewing on a bone and dislocating a bracket.
  • Fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet, and you should continue to eat them. However, instead of biting into apples, peaches or pears, cut them into small pieces first.
  • If you enjoy eating peanuts, almonds, or cashews, consider grinding them and adding the nut meal to cereals and yogurt.
  • Avoid eating corn on the cob; instead, cut the kernels off to help prevent damage to your braces.

Sticky and Sweet Foods

Sticky foods are one of the worst things you can eat while you are wearing braces. They can get stuck to your teeth and hardware and can even result in the braces getting pulled off. Another reason to avoid things like taffy and sugary gum is that they promote tooth decay. 

If you must have a sweet treat, here are a few tips:

  • If you enjoy eating candy, try sucking on pieces instead of chewing them. Stick to sugarless candies. If you do indulge in sugary treats, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to avoid plaque buildup on your teeth. Brush and floss as soon as possible.
  • Avoid chewing gum. Whether regular or sugar-free, it can stick to braces and may be difficult to get off. It can also loosen wires and brackets.

It is best to eat a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoiding soda, candy, and other sugary and acidic foods can help prevent tooth decay and keep you healthier overall. Contact our Orthodontist Palos Hills IL office for more helpful information on life with braces or to schedule an appointment.

First Aid for Broken Braces | Orthodontist in Palos Hills

Orthodontist in Oak Lawn
Orthodontist in Palos Hills

Orthodontic braces come with an adjustment period as teeth begin to move into their optimal positions. Occasionally, some patients may experience minor discomfort from the braces themselves. Left unaddressed, some of these issues can lead to larger problems. 

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The majority of problems with braces can be avoided or remedied by practicing proper oral care at home. However, if the issue persists, it might be time to make an appointment with our team.

Soreness or Irritation from Braces

When getting used to braces, a period of minor discomfort is to be expected. The new sensation of the metal on your lips, cheeks, and tongue can sometimes cause irritation or soreness. If you have any existing injuries or sores in your mouth, continuous contact with your braces might exacerbate the problem, leading to increased discomfort and longer healing times.

If your braces continue to irritate your mouth, here are a few steps you can take to quickly address it:

  • Be sure to exercise proper oral care to limit the chance of food or debris contributing to the irritation 
  • Drink plenty of water, as a dry mouth will only worsen the irritated areas 
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any parts of your braces that are poking or causing irritation
  • If the problem continues, schedule an examination with our office today to see how we can help

Damaged Orthodontic Wires or Brackets 

Although braces are built to withstand daily wear and tear, there is always a slight chance of damage occurring. The most common issues you might experience are a broken or loose wire or a bracket that has come off of your tooth. While neither of these is a particularly serious issue, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible to have the problem corrected. Your braces can’t work properly if damaged.

Mouth Injuries with Braces

There is a risk of increased damage if you sustain a mouth injury while wearing braces. It is recommended that you wear a mouthguard when participating in any sort of physical activity to reduce the risk of damage to your lips. Using non-medicinal wax on the parts of your braces that are particularly irritating can also help protect against injury.

Many people go through their entire orthodontic treatment without any major irritation or damage. However, being aware of the potential problems you might have can help you prepare for them. If you experience any pain or discomfort when wearing braces, don’t hesitate to contact our Palos Hills Orthodontist office.