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Dental care

Braces-Friendly Comfort Foods: Meals That Won’t Hurt Your Teeth

Braces are an investment in a beautiful smile and a step toward a healthier one. However, changing food habits also necessitates safeguarding your new orthodontic installations. Having braces means that you know how difficult it is to eat that tasty meal that does not cling to the brackets or harm the wires in some way. You need to have a proper diet, especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment, to ensure your mouth is healthy before, while, and after the braces.

Foods To Eat When You Have Braces

You will think it’s tough to see your friends and families eat foods that you like, yet you cannot consume them because you have braces. But there is no shortage of great-tasting foods you can indulge in while waiting for your new braces to work. Below are ten foods you should eat after getting braces.

Yogurt
Yogurt is easy to take, especially if it is in a cold state; it can even help to ease oral complications. Furthermore, yogurt is produced in various forms and flavored according to your preference. The only thing you should remember is that some types of yogurts contain more sugar than others, and you should pay more attention to them if you wear braces because it is quite easy to get some plaque.

Eggs
They are easy to cook, and they can be prepared in many different ways. Eggs are perfect after getting braces, especially if steak or chicken is too painful to chew. Hard-boiled or fried eggs are all right, but if you want softer, you can try scrambled, poached, or fried eggs.

Bananas
Bananas are good for you and can help you alleviate your hunger after having your braces put on. Although bananas will do, it is better to look for slightly brown ones so that you have an easier time eating them without putting too much pressure on the teeth. The more ripe the banana, the better it will be for you to chew. They can even become part of your oatmeal or yogurt bowl.

Soups and Broth
It’s no surprise that soups and broths are particularly popular after getting braces since they are easy on the teeth and do not require much chewing to be swallowed in the first place. Soups should also contain a lot of vegetables to complement your diet delivery meal. Creamy soupy dishes, such as pasta soups, bisques, etc., are also ideal.

Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potato is easy to prepare and does not require much effort because you only need to swallow it as you do not need to chew it. If you are not inclined to make homemade mashed potatoes, you can use instant potatoes made in the microwave or on the stovetop to add several ingredients. Another potato substitute is baked ones, which you can mash up and add butter, chili, or shredded cheese.

Oatmeal
Another perfect example is oatmeal if your mouth is sore after getting braces. The warmth of oatmeal can handle the swelling and inflammation that affects us at some point. It is also convenient to serve, and if one feels hungry, one can prepare it in under ten minutes and take it as breakfast or snack food.

Jello
A packet of Jello has no place on the kitchen shelf but in your handbag or pocket when you’re having surgery or getting orthodontic treatment. Which, when reformed, can make for a deliciously simple and quite enjoyable snack or even a dessert. Pour whipped cream on top, and you’ll have a delicious dessert you won’t need to remove your braces to enjoy. As a reminder, certain flavors contain more sugar, which promotes plaque and increases the chance of cavities.

Smoothies
Smoothies are rich in fiber and vitamins, which can only mean wonderful news for anyone who cannot bear to take solids after their braces have been fixed. Pouring different types of frozen or thawed fruits will help you to get a cold, sweet dessert or even replace a meal. You could also add spinach or any other green part.

Applesauce
Applesauce is a good food option for states of pain and discomfort due to braces. It can be served at room temperature or chilled as a result of the consumer’s personal preference. It also can be easily taken, for instance, carried in your pocket or bag when you have a busy day ahead of you. However, this is very rich in fiber and low in saturated fats, so you’re assured that you are eating healthy food with applesauce.

Ice Cream
Not only is ice cream tasty, but the cold temperature soothes and can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation and swelling if you recently got braces. You can try two other closely related options: gelatos, sherbets, and sorbets.

What Not to Eat with Braces
Another thing to remember while under the braces is to be careful when eating your food. There are some types of foods that you should avoid consuming if you want to protect your braces or get rid of orthodontic issues. They work through brackets, bands, and archwires, and they are sectional and can quickly be damaged by crunchy or sticky food. Moreover, one should brush his or her teeth well to avoid cavities and the unnecessary formation of plaque around the braces.

That being said, you don’t have to adhere strictly to the soft food diet, though knowing what foods harm your teeth is critical. Hazardous food that is dangerous for patients should also be prohibited, such as hard candies, ice cubes, crunchy foods, nuts, stick candies, sticky foods, and any sweet foods.

Besides, you should consider appealing fruits such as apples, caramel, popcorn, gum, and chewy products such as bagels and licorice. Any of these foods will likely get trapped between your braces and cause harm or a problem.

Tips to Eat Comfortably with Braces

If you are like anyone else, you might feel self-conscious about eating with braces on. We have some useful recommendations and advice on what you can do to make the procedure easier.

  • To begin with, consider eating soft foods. Everything that does not require much chewing should be your best friend when first wearing braces. Examples include soups, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and ice cream. Once you feel a little more comfortable, you gradually add some other foods to your diet.
  • You should also consider how you chop your food. It is important to take small portions of foods; this will help avoid much pressure on your teeth and gums, which may be painful.
  • Lastly, you should brush your teeth and floss daily. Because of the tight spaces, it’s challenging for food debris not to get trapped between the wires and brackets, so brushing and flossing after every meal is always advisable.

Wrapping It Up

Considering all these things, your soft food diet will not last that long. You will be back to your normal, brace-friendly diet soon enough. If you have any questions regarding braces or maintenance, please contact us at Crosby Dental, TX.

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Dental care

Benefits of Scaling And Root Planing For Gum Health

Brushing and flossing are regular habits all of us do. However, you must visit an expert dental professional if you need a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planning is a deep cleaning process that cleans within the gumline. It can be helpful to treat gum disease. Most gum diseases are a result of plaque build-up.

This article will help you understand how scaling and root planning can benefit your gum health. Proper gum disease detection and prevention can revive your gum health and lead a healthier life. Let us learn the benefits of scaling and root planning.

What are Scaling and Root Planning?

Scaling and root planning target the removal of plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. These areas are not easily reachable with regular brushing or flossing. Scaling involves scraping deposits over teeth and below the gum line. The professional slowly scraps the surface to remove excess deposits.

Root planning involves smoothening the roots to help the gum heal and prevent further bacteria build-up. It is a two-step process where the buildup is first cleaned, and then the gums are reattached to the teeth to promote healing. You can improve gum health and allow them to reattach with bone after the process.

Key Benefits Of Scaling and Root Planing

Deep cleaning might seem unnecessary to those who visit the dentist regularly. However, you need a professional cleaning every once in a while. You cannot clean in-depth deposits under the gum line despite regular brushing and flossing. With these benefits, you can improve your gum health and overall basic hygiene. You can learn some key benefits of scaling and root planning.

1. Prevents Disease Progression

Scaling and root planning can reduce bacteria buildup and prevent gum disease development. It might not stop gum diseases, but it slows down the process. It can also prevent them from advancing to more severe stages and affect inflammation and infection caused by gum diseases.

2. Reduce Gum Inflammation and Bleeding

Gum inflammation and bleeding are quite common due to bacteria buildup. After scaling and root planning, you will notice a significant reduction in inflammation and gum bleeding. After a deep cleaning, the gum can heal and regain its health.

3. Eliminates Bad Breath

Bad breath is the most common symptom of gum disease. If the bacteria is trapped in the gum line, it can cause foul breath. This is why scaling and root planning can help you eliminate the smell and improve breath quality.

4. Prevents Tooth Loss

Advanced gum disease can eventually result in tooth loss. It leads to the destruction of the supporting bone and tissue. Early prevention and treatment can help you save your teeth. Bacteria removal can prevent further damage to teeth and revive oral health,

5. Improves Overall Heath

The best way to improve your gum and oral health is to maintain hygiene. Gum health also impacts your heart health. Maintaining clean and hygienic teeth with procedures such as scaling and root planning can boost overall health.

When Do You Require Scaling and Root Planning Treatment

You need a professional cleaning procedure if you have an existing gum condition that cannot be resolved using basic cleaning techniques. If someone has the following condition: scaling and root planning are advised.

  • Deep Gum Pockets

If someone has deep gum pockets, there is a probability of more bacteria deposits below the gum line. If you have deeper pockets, you might need these procedures for plaque and tartar removal. Basic brushing and flossing might not be helpful in these cases.

  • Sign of Infection

You might need root planning and scaling if you have any signs of infection. Often, bacteria buildup, if not removed, shows symptoms such as bad breath and red, swollen, tender gums. You might bleed while brushing and flossing. You must visit a professional for deep cleaning to remove tartar buildup below the gum line.

  • Preventing the Progression of Gum Disease

Patients who have been diagnosed with periodontitis conditions need scaling and root planing to prevent the advancing of diseases. You can remove further deterioration of gum disease, improve gum health, and allow it to heal properly. It also reduces inflammation and infection and improves gum health.

  • Periodontal Maintenance

A deep cleansing session can improve oral hygiene even if you do not suffer from any periodontal condition. It will remove all excess deposits and tartar buildup. You can add scaling and root planning options in your regular cleaning session.

Conclusion

Gum diseases are present if you do not maintain basic hygiene for your mouth. You need proper cleaning sessions daily, like brushing and flossing your teeth. You also need to visit your dentist for deep cleaning sessions. Scaling and root planning offer cleaning tartar buildup below the gum line. You must maintain and improve your oral health to ensure your overall health.

Periodontal diseases can be avoided with regular dental cleanings. You must visit Crosby Dentist TX for expert guidance related to periodontal treatments. You can get professional cleaning and maintain your gum health properly with expert opinions.