Eating with a palate expander in your mouth causes a lot of discomfort and it’s not good for your kid’s health. You might be asking, how am I supposed to eat with an expander? In this article, you will see how to eat with a palate expander.
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One of the best ways to eat with a palate expander is to cut food into smaller pieces, this makes it easier for you to swallow your foods without any discomfort.
As I proceed, you’ll see other recommended ways to eat food with a palate expander comfortably.
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What is a Palate Expander?
orthodontic device
Palate expander is a dental device which is used to widen the upper jaw; it’s also called “orthodontic expander”. It’s made up of metal framework that is custom-made to fit the mouth of the patient.
The main purpose of using palatal expander is to gradually apply small pressure on the upper jaw to separate the two halves of the palate.
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Food Stuck in Palate Expander? Best way to remove it
Best way to remove food stuck in palate expander is by using Interdental Angle Brush; this brush is highly recommended for best result.
| Interdental Angle Brush is the best recommended brush to clean every palatal expander. Get Interdental Agle Brush for your Kids today. |
How to Eat with a Palate Expander for Kids
1. Cut food into smaller pieces
Like I said earlier, this is one of the best ways to eat food with an expander, once you cut your food into smaller pieces, you’ll find it very easier to swallow without causing any discomfort.
2. Chew slowly and carefully to avoid discomfort
You need to chew your food slowly and carefully to avoid discomfort. This is what you should always remember, so always practice this and you’ll be amazed how comfortable it’ll become while chewing food.
- Also read: How to become a potty training consultant
3. Try chewing using your back teeth
The back teeth are not always affected by the palatal expander, so try chewing your food using your back teeth.
4. Eat soft foods
Soft foods are easy foods to eat with palate expander because they are not hard to chew and you can comfortably chew them. Examples are mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and ice cream, to know the food to eat with palate expander, read the list of foods to eat with a palate expander.
5. Steam or boil vegetables
If you want to eat vegetable with a palate expander, the best practice is to boil or steam the vegetables until they are tender.
6. Eat foods that are in semi-liquid form
You need to include foods that are in semi-liquid form, examples are oatmeal or porridge.
7. Eat soup and beverages using straw
Another good way to consume foods with an expander is by using a straw to consume soup and beverages if you are experiencing difficult in swallowing.
8. Avoid sticky and hard foods
Your kids should avoid sticky foods; sticky foods are not good for orthodontic expanders because it causes a lot of discomfort.
9. Adhere to orthodontist instructions
This is very important, you need to get instructions from an orthodontist and follow any guideline given by them, and it’s always a wise idea to seek the help of orthodontist. Your kids need total care, ensure to give them the care they deserve.
FAQs: How to Eat with a Palate Expander
How long does it take to get used to eating with an expander?
It takes a few days to couple of weeks for kids to get used to eating with an expander; moreover, this can vary from child to child. At the initial time, your child may experience some difficulty in chewing but it’ll stop once the device is accustomed mouth and oral tissues.
What food can you eat with a palate expander?
Soft food is the food to eat with palate expander. See the list of foods to eat with a palate expander.
What foods to avoid with an expander? Palate expander foods to avoid
Avoid sticky and hard foods when having an orthodontic expander in your mouth, such as corn and carrots.
Can you eat normally with a palatal expander?
At first, your child will experience difficulty in eating but it gets easier in couple of days or weeks, during this time, it’s recommended to take only soft and liquid foods.
Why does my expander hurt when I eat?
- It hurts at the initial adjustment period
- The expander may rub against the inside of your cheeks, tongue or gums which can cause irritation or sore spots.
Conclusion on How to Eat with a Palate Expander
Below is the recap on 9 best ways to consume food with a palatal expander:
9 Best ways to consume food with a palatal expander
- Cut food into smaller pieces
- Chew slowly and carefully to avoid discomfort
- Chew using your back teeth
- Eat soft foods
- Steam or boil vegetables
- Eat foods in semi-liquid form
- Use straw to eat soup and beverages
- Avoid sticky and hard foods
- Adhere to orthodontist instructions
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