Bend food lovers who deal with braces can sometimes find it difficult to eat their favorite dishes. Indeed, dealing with braces can make even the most avid eater feel apprehensive. Fortunately, Dr. Mingus has some handy tips to help Bend foodies eat comfortably with braces. Here’s a look at what you need to know.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky and chewy foods can be incredibly challenging to eat with braces. Foods like hard candies, taffy, caramel, toffees and gum can stick to the braces and be tough to remove. It’s best if Bend foodies avoid these types of foods. In fact, it’s best to avoid food that’s too hard, since it can pose a risk to braces and teeth. Instead, opt for softer foods, such as bananas, boiled eggs, fish, chicken and tofu.
Consider the Texture of the Food
The texture of the food can also have an effect when it comes to comfort with braces. Foods that have tiny seeds or grains should be avoided, since these can easily become trapped inside the brackets. Bend foodies with braces should also steer clear of crunchy or hard food, as these can be difficult to chew and can cause teeth to become dislocated. If your favorite food happens to have an undesirable texture, try blending it or cooking it for a softer alternative.
Break Foods into Smaller Pieces
Foods that are too large or have strange shapes can be quite challenging for Bend foodies with braces. This is because it can be tough to slide large pieces into the mouth, and weirdly shaped foods can also pose problems when trying to chew. Dr. Mingus suggests breaking foods into smaller pieces, and to make sure those pieces are about the size of a pencil eraser. This will make it much easier to eat and chew on the food.
Dental Hygiene is Key
Dental care is always a top priority, especially for dental braces patients. To avoid having food particles trapped in the braces, Bend foodies with braces should brush and floss thoroughly after every meal. This will help to keep food particles from getting stuck and causing problems in the teeth and gums. If Bend foodies don’t have access to a toothbrush immediately after eating, they can at least rinse the mouth with water to remove any particles. Additionally, Bend foodies should also schedule regular checkups with Dr. Mingus to have their braces tightened and to help prevent any issues that could arise.
Keep the End Goal in Mind
It can be a bit frustrating for Bend foodies with braces to have to limit their diets but try to focus on the big picture. The braces won’t be there forever and the sacrifices made now will be worth it in the end. Bend foodies can also use this time to try new foods and meals as they slowly grow accustomed to their mouths being wired shut. Massage the gums, on a daily basis, to keep them in good shape and maintain the integrity of the teeth.
Eat in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Dr. Mingus suggests that Bend foodies with braces eat in the comfort of their own homes if possible. This way, they can take their time with meals, practice good dental hygiene before and after meals and have the ability to customize meals to better meet their needs. It can be frustrating to have to limit meal options, but when Bend foodies have the flexibility of the kitchen, it makes it a bit easier to create meals that are actually enjoyable to eat.
Conclusion
Eating comfortably with braces can be tricky, but it’s possible for Bend foodies by following Dr. Mingus’ tips. By avoiding sticky and hard foods, considering the texture of the food, breaking foods into smaller pieces, practicing good dental hygiene, focusing on the big picture, and having the ability to customize meals for their needs, Bend foodies will be able to eat comfortably with braces in no time. Dr. Mingus also suggests scheduling regular checkups to keep the braces in good shape.