A bite plate, also known as an occlusal splint, is a custom-made dental device used to correct specific bite issues, such as a deep overbite, or to relieve jaw pain related to clenching and grinding. The appliance works by creating a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps to guide the jaw into a more balanced position. While this device is an effective tool for improving dental alignment and jaw function, it fundamentally changes how your teeth meet, making the initial experience of eating feel awkward.
Managing the First Few Days
The first two to four days after receiving your bite plate represent a significant adjustment period for your mouth and jaw muscles. It is common to experience a temporary increase in saliva production, as your brain initially registers the new appliance as a foreign object. This effect usually subsides within a few days as your mouth adapts. You may also feel general soreness or discomfort in your teeth and jaw muscles, which is a normal response to the change in your bite alignment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any initial tenderness. Speaking may also be slightly affected, but practicing reading aloud can help your tongue quickly adjust to the new space.
Practical Eating Techniques
The mechanics of chewing are entirely different when wearing a bite plate, requiring a conscious shift in your technique. The appliance often separates your back teeth, so you will initially be chewing with only your front teeth touching the plate. You must take extremely small bites of food to avoid exerting too much force on the appliance, which could cause it to break or loosen.
Aim to chew slowly and deliberately, using the back teeth as much as possible for grinding the food, even if they do not fully meet. The movement should focus on a gentle, up-and-down motion rather than aggressive side-to-side grinding, which puts undue stress on the jaw joint. Limit how wide you open your mouth during a bite to protect your jaw.
Dietary Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right foods is the most important part of successfully eating with a bite plate. For the initial adjustment phase, focusing on a soft diet minimizes the required chewing force, allowing your muscles and jaw joint to heal and stabilize.
It is crucial to strictly avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy, as these can easily damage or dislodge the appliance. Even with soft foods, preparation is key; all food should be cut into very small, manageable pieces before it enters your mouth, reducing the amount of work required for chewing.
Recommended Soft Foods
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-cooked pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft fish
Foods to Avoid
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Ice
- Chewing gum
- Taffy
- Crusty breads
- Tough meats
Post-Meal Appliance Care
Maintaining scrupulous hygiene after every meal is necessary to prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating around the bite plate and your teeth. Immediately after eating, remove the appliance and rinse both your mouth and the bite plate thoroughly with cool water. This quick rinse helps to dislodge any large food debris before it hardens or attracts plaque.
For a more comprehensive cleaning, gently brush the bite plate itself using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser, such as mild hand soap or a specialized appliance cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste on the appliance, as many types contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the acrylic over time.
When the bite plate is not in your mouth, always store it in its protective case, ensuring it remains moist or is kept in a dry, safe environment away from pets and high heat, which can cause the material to warp.