Launceston Dentist: Dental Braces for Children: Do's and Dont's

Launceston Dentist: Dental Braces for Children

As children we balked at the idea of having to endure the horrors of braces. After all, they're bulky, painful and just not pleasant. Especially considering the fact that we're stuck with them for an average of one and a half years, which feels like an eternity when you're 12 years old, the thought of them may make some of us cringe.

Here are some do's and don'ts and other tips to consider to make the experience of having dental braces a bit more palatable and less painful for children.
 
Is this particular food OK to eat with braces?

Very sticky or chewy foods such as gum, popcorn kernels, caramels and taffy should be avoided. Some of our favorites, like fruit roll ups, starbursts and skittles should also be eliminated. These types of foods can get stuck in the braces and make it difficult to clean. Also, very sugary sweets too often can cause cavities, especially with braces, and can also cause damage to the braces and elastics themselves.

Try eating softer foods such as jello, applesauce, soup, eggs, rice, oatmeal and yogurt, which will minimize the pain and discomfort, won't cause any damage to your braces and will be easier to eat.