Braces can be your lifesaver, giving you an all-new look and improving your smile within months. They give you the confidence to flaunt your smile confidently. But ironically, there isn’t much you can gain without pain. Wearing braces is quite an excruciating task as it can take days or in some cases, even weeks to get used to the extra pressure on your gums. Also, your braces need proper care once fitted in your mouth. For those who are going to get their braces on or those who need guidance to maintain their dental health while wearing the braces, here’s everything you need to know.

Foods you should avoid when you have braces on

Ask someone who’ve had braces, the hardest part for them might be giving up on some of their favorite foods. Since braces are sensitive wires and they exert too much pressure on the gums, eating a certain type of foods can damage them. Food such as;

Chewy foods: Chewing gums, bagels, thick bread rolls

Crunchy and Crusty foods: Pop-sickle, popcorn

Sticky foods: Candies, caramels, gum

Hard foods: Nuts and pretzels

While binging on these foods once in a while is fine, munching them all the time can cause tooth decay or the wires to come loose. Try learning different techniques to chew your food to prevent damage to braces. Use your back teeth to chew most of your food simply because they are much stronger.

What to eat with your braces on?

Your mouth may be sensitive during the time you have your braces on. The gums hurt and have an extra pressure to deal with, therefore try to gorge on foods that are soft and not very chewy. Ideal food to eat during the time you are wearing braces are:

Oatmeal

Yogurt

Soups

Soft cheese

Fruits

Moist desserts

Boiled veggies

The idea is to eat anything that doesn’t damage the braces and exert much pressure on the gums.

Maintaining dental health with braces

One way to avoid damaging your braces is to make sure that you maintain healthy dental habits. Follow the tips to maintain good dental habits and keep the braces intact.

1. Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush after every meal can keep the braces in one piece for a long time.
2. After you are done with the meal, remove all traces of food from the round spaces of the braces. Floss between the teeth and wires with a soft floss threader.
3. Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and follow up checkups. Cleanings are necessary to keep the plague and cavities at bay.

The treatment of braces, although, improves your smile and teeth, but taking their proper care is also essential. Eating the right food and maintaining good dental hygiene is all you need to do to make sure your braces are in perfect condition.