Those who have been wearing braces for a few months would have gotten used to the existence of the brackets in their mouth. Some braces wearers may have even forgotten what it was like without braces. To help those who are just starting their braces treatment, here are few diet tips to help smoothen your adjustment to life with braces:
– Try to avoid eating foods high in sugar (e.g. chocolates, candies, etc) to prevent tooth decay. If you really need to have these sugary snacks occasionally, please brush your teeth immediately after or at least rinse with water.
– Avoid sticky foods like toffee, caramels, and chewing gum. They are difficult to clean off totally
– Cut your hard foods up (e.g. apples) into bite sized pieces and chew slowly to avoid brackets breakage
Starting the above habits in the earlier stage of the treatment may help you to adapt faster and to prevent tooth decay, bad breath and other dental issues.
Here is a recipe that is braces friendly (Source: NOW Let’s Cook, Braces Friendly Recipe Booklet from British Orthodontics Society)
Apple and Raisin Porridge
Ingredients
70g/2 ½ oz porridge oats
350ml/12 ½ fl oz milk
2 apples (about 250g/9oz)
15g/ ½ oz raisins
1 pinch of cinnamon
50ml/2 fl oz water
Method
Peel, core and slice the apples.
Place the apples in a pan with the water, raisins and cinnamon.
Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until apples are soft.
Meanwhile place the porridge oats and milk in a separate saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat then simmer gently until cooked.
Purée the apples and raisins and stir into the cooked porridge.
Serve.
Porridge oats are a great way to start the day as they maintain energy levels throughout the morning. Swapping the raisins for chopped mixed nuts will give good levels of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc, which are all needed for healthy bones and teeth.
For those who are wearing braces, what are some of your personal diet tips in keeping a healthy diet during treatment?
