It is advised that children with braces stay away from hard, sticky, and chewy foods because they can harm the appliances and lengthen the course of orthodontic therapy.
Here are some snacks to stay away from:
- Lollypops and hard candies
- Gummies, caramels, and chewy candies
- Nuts and seeds; popcorn; popcorn.
- Crisp pretzels
- Ice
- Granola bars that are chewy and sticky
Instead, young people who wear braces should choose soft, simple-to-chew snacks.
They can enjoy the following healthy snacks:
- Bananas, grapes, and kiwis are examples of soft fruits.
- Steamed broccoli and carrots are examples of cooked vegetables.
- Soft grains like cooked rice and quinoa.
- Dairy goods like cheese, yogurt, and milkshakes
- Smoothies made with squishy fruits and vegetables.
- Soft biscuits or muffins without added sugar.
- Sourdough pita bread and hummus.
Hygiene
It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene after eating or snacking to stop the growth of bacteria in your mouth and lower your chance of developing dental issues including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Following a meal or snack, follow these guidelines for maintaining good hygiene:
You should floss: After eating or snacking, brushing your teeth helps get rid of bacteria and food particles in your mouth, which lowers your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
The areas between your teeth and along your gumline that your toothbrush can’t reach are helped to eliminate by flossing. If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, you should use an interdental brush or floss threader.
Rinse your mouth: Mouthwash or water rinses can help get rid of bacteria and any lingering food particles in your mouth. Before spitting out the water or mouthwash, swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds.
Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue of dirt and bacteria to lessen the likelihood of developing foul breath.
Hands-off, please: To stop the spread of germs and lower your chance of getting sick, wash your hands both before and after eating or snacking.
Conclusion
You can maintain your mouth healthy and avert dental issues by using good oral hygiene after meals and snacks. To keep your mouth healthy, make sure to go to the dentist for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis.