Things You Can and Cannot Eat With Braces
Welcome to your new journey with braces! While braces are a crucial step towards achieving a beautiful smile, they also require some adjustments, especially in your diet. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled a guide on what to eat and what to avoid during your first week with braces and beyond.
What to Eat With Braces the First Week
The first week with braces is usually the period of adjustment where your mouth might feel a bit sore. During this time, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Here are some safe and comfortable options:
- Smoothies: Packed with nutrients and soft to consume, smoothies are ideal. Avoid adding ingredients like whole nuts or seeds.
- Soup: Warm, not hot, soups are soothing and easy on your teeth. Opt for cream-based or broth-based soups with finely blended ingredients.
- Mashed Potatoes: Soft, comforting, and filling, mashed potatoes can be a perfect meal addition without straining your braces.
- Scrambled Eggs: Gentle on your mouth and protein-rich, scrambled eggs are an excellent meal option.
- Yogurt: Smooth and cool, yogurt can help soothe any oral discomfort.
- Pasta: Well-cooked pasta is soft and easy to chew, making it another good choice for your new diet.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
To protect your braces and avoid any discomfort, there are certain foods that you should stay away from, especially in the first few weeks:
- Chewy Foods: Bagels and licorice or other chewy candies can strain the brackets of your braces.
- Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, ice, and hard candies are a definite no as they can break or damage your braces.
- Sticky Foods: Gum and caramel can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean.
- Hard Foods: Nuts and hard fruits like apples should be avoided unless cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Dos and Don’ts With Braces
Do:
- Keep your teeth and braces clean. Brush after every meal and use a floss threader to remove any food particles that may get trapped.
- Attend all orthodontic appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
Don’t:
- Skip meals; instead, adapt your diet to include braces-friendly foods.
- Bite directly into hard foods. Instead, cut them into smaller pieces.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your treatment is effective and comfortable. Remember, this adjustment period is temporary, and soon you’ll be eating more of your favorite foods as your mouth adjusts to the braces. Keep smiling, and enjoy the journey to a more beautiful, healthy smile!
FAQs
It’s generally recommended to stick to soft foods for the first week or until the discomfort diminishes. After that, you can gradually introduce firmer foods, ensuring they are not on the list of foods to avoid.
Yes, but with caution. It’s best to avoid very hard or crunchy foods like raw carrots or hard pretzels during your entire treatment. However, you can enjoy moderately crunchy foods by cutting them into smaller pieces or cooking them to soften.
If you accidentally eat foods that aren’t recommended for braces, check your braces for any loose wires or brackets and contact your orthodontist if any damage is observed. Be extra diligent with your oral hygiene routine to remove any trapped food.
When eating out, opt for soft food menu items such as pasta dishes, tender meats, or mashed potatoes. Avoid biting into large sandwiches or burgers, and instead use a knife and fork to cut your food into smaller, manageable pieces.
Always carry a braces care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Brush your teeth after every meal and use floss threaders to clean between the braces and under the wires. If brushing isn’t possible immediately after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
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