Jun 20, 2025

Life with Braces – 5 Essential Tips for Eating, Cleaning, and Comfort

Starting your braces journey? Whether you’re a teen or adult, knowing how to take care of your braces from day one can make the experience smoother. At PB Braces, we’re here to help you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared every step of the way.

Here are five expert tips to help you adapt and thrive with braces:


1. Choose the Right Foods

Soft is your friend! Right after getting braces (and after adjustments), your teeth may feel sore.

Stick to:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Yogurt

  • Soups

  • Pasta

  • Smoothies

Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, caramel, and raw carrots. These can break brackets or bend wires.


2. Brush & Floss Like a Pro

Keeping your teeth and braces clean is key to avoiding stains and plaque.

  • Brush after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush

  • Use a fluoride toothpaste

  • Try an interdental brush to reach around brackets

  • Floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser

Need help? We sell water flossers and brace-friendly brushes at all five locations!


3. Soothe the Soreness

Braces can cause discomfort, especially in the first few days.

  • Use orthodontic wax to prevent brackets from irritating your cheeks

  • Rinse with warm salt water

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary

We promise – it gets easier with time!


4. Protect Your Braces During Sports

If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces (and your smile).

Ask us about custom-fit mouthguards designed specifically for braces wearers. We’ll make sure you’re game-day ready!


5. Keep Up with Appointments

Regular check-ins help us track progress and make necessary adjustments. Whether you’re in West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, or Lantana, we’ll keep you on schedule and on track for an amazing smile.


Have questions about life with braces? Book a free consultation or call your nearest PB Braces location – we’re here for every step of your smile journey.

Our Locations

Find your finest dental offices for Braces

Palm Beach Braces has four locations in Palm Beach County, Florida and has been providing gentle, affordable pediatric care across four Palm Beach County locations. Dr. Gruzmark and Dr. Aditi Patel lead our joyful team using the latest dental technology to make every visit stress-free.

Our Locations

Find your finest dental offices for Braces

Palm Beach Braces has four locations in Palm Beach County, Florida and has been providing gentle, affordable pediatric care across four Palm Beach County locations. Dr. Gruzmark and Dr. Aditi Patel lead our joyful team using the latest dental technology to make every visit stress-free.