Orthodontic work changes things.

Getting any kind of orthodontic work can be an adjustment. Whether you are the proud owner of braces or aligners, they come with enhanced oral care routines and food restrictions. On top of that, getting orthodontics typically comes with an adjustment period where your teeth and mouth feel a bit more achy and sensitive.

It’s so easy to get caught up on what not to eat that it becomes hard to remember what options there actually are. When this happens, it can be easy to grab for the first packaged thing in the pantry. Let’s face it: That typically isn’t your healthiest option!

Though it can be difficult to navigate your favorite foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s still important to maintain good nutrition. Not only do healthy foods provide your body with strength and energy, but it also helps maintain strong, healthy teeth.

1. Opt for soft but nutritious foods, especially after adjustments.

Braces adjustments and new aligner sets can create some discomfort while your teeth get used to their new position. This can make it slightly uncomfortable to eat a proper meal right at first. When looking for meal options right after an adjustment, try to stick to soft foods. Think of things such as mashed potatoes, soup, steamed vegetables, or even fruit smoothies. You can make many of these items ahead of time and freeze them so that you have a ready supply of meals for just such an occasion. 

2. Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods.

There are some foods to watch out for when you have braces. Those sticky candies or treats such as caramels can wreak havoc on your orthodontic work, adhering to every surface imaginable and feeding bacteria that eats away at the enamel. Chewing on hard candies and nuts also raises your risk of breaking the hardware on your teeth (or breaking the teeth themselves!). Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid foods like this, whether you have braces or clear aligners. After all, you want to avoid having to deal with repairing a broken bracket or a cracked tooth.

If you do find that something has caught on your braces and snapped a wire, apply some dental wax to the sharp edges until you can get in to see your Lawton, Oklahoma, dentist.

3. Hydrate with water instead of sugary drinks.

When choosing what to drink, do your best to stick with water. The sugar in all of those sweet drinks mixes with the saliva in your mouth, feeding harmful bacteria and allowing plaque to stick to and eat away at your enamel. Sure, brushing your teeth well removes this plaque. But it can be much harder to clear away when you’re working around braces and is still just as important to remove before popping your aligners back in. Otherwise, these left-behind particles can easily lead to stains and tooth decay.

Staying hydrated does a lot for your oral health. When you’re dehydrated, you run the risk of having dry mouth, which means you don’t have sufficient saliva flow to help effectively whisk away hidden bacteria. Even then, drinking plenty of water doesn’t eliminate the need for brushing, of course, so keep up with your regular brushing and flossing routine! 

4. Cut foods into small pieces.

To help avoid damage to your braces, consider cutting your food into smaller pieces. This will help lessen the friction against the hardware to prevent accidents between your appointments. This will also make it easier on your teeth and jaw after an adjustment (or after you receive a new aligner set), as they won’t be having to do quite as much work.

5. Maintain a balanced diet.

Through every stage of life, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet. Keep those fruits and vegetables in your daily meals, and don’t forget the lean proteins and whole grains! This will help keep your teeth strong and healthy, not to mention the rest of your body. So treat yourself to some energy and eat balanced meals!

6. Make sure to brush and floss after meals.

The oral hygiene routine after orthodontic work can seem a little daunting at first. But don’t panic! There are a few additional steps, but you’ll get the hang of it. After each meal, brush and floss to get rid of any hidden food particles. This is extra important with traditional braces, as there are more places that the food particles can hide away.

We know it’s not always easy when you have a busy schedule filled with school, sports, and social activities, so consider packing a travel dental kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and dental wax so you can care for your orthodontics on the go.

You’ve got this!

If you’re worried about eating after you get your braces or clear aligners, just follow these tips and you’ll be fine. Be sure to ask your dentist if you have any additional questions or if you need any personalized nutritional advice. After all, we believe each patient is unique and deserves individual care.

Whether you are in need of a regular cleaning or an orthodontic evaluation, an appointment is only a few clicks away! We look forward to meeting you and your smile!