Can You Eat Sushi With Braces?

Braces can be quite a hassle, especially during the early days of having them installed. You need to follow specific rules, especially when consuming different types of food.

Whether you like meat or fruits, there are parameters to follow. If you love sushi, you might wonder, “Can you eat sushi with braces?”

Eating Sushi With Braces

eating sushi with a fork

If you like to eat sushi but are worried that you might not be able to eat for a while because of your plan to get braces, do not worry about it too much. The answer to your question of whether you can or can’t eat sushi while you have your braces is that you can!

You can still eat sushi even when you have your braces. However, you will have to adjust as you navigate what’s comfortable and what’s not for you.

Sushi is naturally soft, and it is a mild and soft dish that a lot of people enjoy. This being said, they are okay for people with braces too.

  • NigiriNigiri is sushi with fish meat topping a bulk of sushi rice. When eating nigiri, slice them up into smaller pieces as the meat can be pretty significant and increase chewing effort.
  • MakiMaki can have a variety of fillings inside the sushi rice. The stuffing can be meat, fruits, vegetables, etc. As for vegetables, they are usually crunchy, so it’s vital to slice the roll into smaller pieces than they used to. This will make the slices of vegetables easier to consume.
  • Temaki – Despite these smaller and looser sushi slices, you would still need to cut them up to avoid using your front teeth as much as possible for biting.

Tips for Eating Sushi With Braces

Tips for Eating Sushi With Braces

Since sushi is already bite-sized, you can still cut them into smaller pieces. The average slice might be too big, and a bite can fill your mouth quickly, which can disturb the braces and cause pain.

So, you might want to cut them up into smaller bites, just enough so the serving won’t push to the back of your front teeth. You can ask for a cutting knife or a fork to help cut the sushi when eating out.

Although they don’t usually serve these from the get-go, you can always make a special request as you have a valid reason.

When eating sushi, especially when you are visiting a restaurant, bring some floss or brush with you. You can get whatever is more comfortable for you, like interdental brushes or a water flosser.

Eating sushi can leave food particles on your braces, and you need to clean up after eating. This practice is recommended and should be done 30 minutes after every food consumption.

While sushi is already soft, you can make it smoother and easier to chew. You can try maximizing the purpose of soy sauce! Dipping it in soy sauce will help further soften every bite.

Eating With Braces

can i eat sushi with braces

There can be many reasons why people get braces. One of them is to help straighten up or fix their teeth formation. It can have quite the downside, especially when it comes to comfort, but over time and after the process, many people testify and prove these inconveniences worth it in the long run.

One of the popular reasons people get their braces is to straighten their teeth. However, this is not the only reason on the list. Here are other benefits of getting braces.

  • Getting braces can help prevent tooth decay
  • Lessen the possibility of tooth loss
  • Prevents gum disease
  • Improve, enhance, or fix chewing or speech difficulties that are often affected and caused by bite
  • Lessens the risk of abnormal wear on the enamel.
  • Helps with some jaw problems.

Braces also have classifications and types as no one fit in the field of orthodontic treatments. There are different treatments for different problems, and it’s essential to consult an expert to know what you need and the most suitable for your issues.

In terms of braces, there is also a hierarchy of effectiveness as some are more effective than others.

Eating with braces, however, can be quite the work. Once you get braces, you can experience changes ranging from minor to remarkable when eating. You can have changes in the way you chew.

There can also be changes in feeling food. However mild or intense these changes are, they will soon wear down, and the feeling of inconvenience will get lesser and lesser until it is better.

At first, you will have some restrictions made for your good. Along the way, you will find out what types of food you can tolerate, what kinds of food you cannot eat comfortably, and those you can’t eat.

When you have these mini eureka moments, it would be good to consult and talk to your dentist about it, so you re-discuss whatever food is okay for you to eat and what is food that’s banned in the meantime.

Foods You Can Eat When You Get Braces

can u eat sushi with braces

Once you get braces, your meal menu does have minor to drastic changes. There will be adjustments because of comfort issues, and there will be banning. In short, there is food that is okay to eat, and there is also food you must avoid at all costs.

If you have only gotten your braces, you will be recommended to eat soft foods like the following.

  • Yoghurt
  • Pudding
  • Soft cheese
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soups
  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Hotdogs
  • Bananas and other soft fruits
  • Cooked and soft vegetables
  • Seafood
  • Pancakes
  • Bread
  • Pasta
  • Moist desserts

As you may have observed, most of the food recommended has a soft and smooth texture. Food that is easy to chew is what you would need to eat, especially during the early days of getting braces.

It would be pretty challenging, but you will soon experience changes, especially as you go on your every day and eat your meals carefully. Here are some tips that can help you go about your every day while having your braces.

  • Always bite using the side of your mouth instead of your front teeth. Using your front teeth might damage the braces, so you may want to avoid using them. Also, it can be more uncomfortable for you to bite using the front teeth.
  • When you eat, cut up your food into bite-sized portions. Make sure that they won’t crowd your mouth when you eat them and cause pain and discomfort. Pieces that are quite large or those that can fill your mouth are also threatening as they can choke you.
  • You should always choose soft foods over crunchy and hard ones. The reason is simple and is known to many people with braces as it is always discussed after installment.
  • You can enjoy cold and smooth treats and take your time when you eat them. Whether it be ice cream, popsicles, and other cold desserts, they can help alleviate and lessen pain, discomfort, and swelling.
  • Do not forget to floss and brush after eating. It would help if you practiced flossing and brushing your braces as it becomes easier for food particles to get stuck.

Things To Remember About Eating With Braces

Things To Remember About Eating With Braces

As you go about your day, dealing with your braces will become easier. Your dentist will probably inform you about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to taking care of your teeth and the installed braces. Here are some things you need to remember when eating with braces.

Choose your food

One of the most crucial things about getting braces is choosing food. If you are the type of person to like hard or chewy food, you might want to pause those cravings. If you just had your braces in place, your dentist will advise you to eat soft food for a couple of weeks.

This means you must limit your menu to soft and easy to chew food. You must say no to taffy and caramel for a while as they are sticky and will probably stick all over the braces or cause damage when biting or chewing.

Make sure it’s bite-sized.

You might need to alter your food and slice them into bite-sized pieces in choosing your food. This way, it’s easier for you to eat them. Bite-sized pieces are easier to chew as they do not need significant bites to break down the food.

Be careful

This might be an undeniable reminder, but having braces means you need to be extra careful when chewing. You need to take time and make sure you are not hurting the braces and yourself. While soft food is allowed, chewing them will still require care.

Consult your dentist if you are experiencing difficulties

When you notice a broken bracket or some damage to your braces, you should immediately schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Summary

There should be no barriers to happiness, but there can be adjustments to cravings while having braces. Now that the answer to the question “Can you eat sushi with braces?” is already out, you are free to celebrate by satisfying this craving! Just make sure you make suitable adjustments to avoid issues.

Can You Eat Sushi With Braces

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