Life With Braces

Life With Braces

Dunn Orthodontics

Eating With Braces

Sure, at first it’s an adjustment to how you’re able to eat; however, we make it as easy as possible when you begin. You will receive a “starter kit” and instructions. For starters, let's look at what you should avoid when eating with braces vs. what you can eat.


Foods You Can Eat


  • Daily
  • Breads
  • Grains
  • Meats/poultry
  • Seafood
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Treats


Foods to Avoid


  • Chewy foods like bagels or licorice
  • Crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, or ice
  • Sticky foods like caramel candies or chewing gum
  • Hard foods like nuts and hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into like corn on the cob, apples, carrots


In the case of an emergency, please contact us, and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth With and Without Braces

A variety of products is available to clean your braces and maintain excellent dental health, gingival tissue, and bone. These products include the following:


  • Power toothbrushes
  • Manual toothbrushes
  • Water piks
  • Floss
  • Mouth rinses
  • Toothpaste


Brushing for 2 minutes removes approximately 90% of food and bacteria. Using a water pik and flossing for 1 minute removes approximately 5% of food and bacteria. Mouth rinses kill any residual bacteria for approximately 4 to 6 hours. At Dunn Orthodontics, we recommend Listerine, Crest, Colgate, and Peroxyl rinses.

Soreness Caused by Braces

When your braces are initially placed, you may experience some pressure and tenderness for a few hours or possibly days. If you experience some discomfort, taking Advil or Tylenol will relieve your discomfort. If your teeth begin feeling a “little loose”, don’t worry, because this is normal: the bone must “soften” to allow movement.

Check for Loose Wires and Bands

The wires and braces may become loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible because we can repair your braces or fix loose arch wires. Sometimes this involves placing new braces or simply trimming the arch wire. If you feel an arch wire poking your cheeks, it is possible you can “temporarily fix” this at home by placing wax over the end of it. In addition, you may rinse with salt water or mouth rinses to improve any areas that might have become irritated.

Take Care of Your Braces or Appliances

Damaged braces or appliances can increase the length of treatment time, so take care of your braces or appliances. The correct movement is possible if you keep appointments and maintain the health of your teeth, gingival tissue, and bone by brushing and rinsing for a minimum of three times per day.

Playing Sports With Braces

We have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing treatment! However, we recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces. You can receive a mouth guard simply by requesting one when you schedule an appointment. In case of a sports emergency, check your mouth and appliance immediately for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away.

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