Getting braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful, straight smile, but it also comes with some adjustments to your eating habits. Knowing what to eat with braces is crucial to ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly without causing damage to your braces or experiencing unnecessary discomfort. In this guide, we’ll discuss recommended foods that are gentle on your teeth when they’re sore, good foods that won’t damage or get stuck in your braces, and foods to avoid.
Best Foods When Your Teeth Are Sore
When you first get your braces or after an adjustment, your teeth and gums might feel sore. During these times, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing and are easy on your teeth and braces. Here are some excellent options:
- Smoothies: Packed with nutrients, smoothies are an excellent choice. You can blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and even a bit of protein powder for a nutritious meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Soft and comforting, mashed potatoes are easy to eat and can be flavored with various spices and herbs.
- Yogurt: Plain or flavored yogurt is gentle on your teeth and provides a good source of calcium and probiotics.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft and protein-rich, scrambled eggs are a quick and easy option for breakfast or any meal.
- Oatmeal: Warm and soothing, oatmeal can be customized with soft fruits, honey, or cinnamon for added flavor.
- Soup: Broths and creamy soups are ideal for sore teeth. Avoid soups with hard chunks of vegetables or meat.
- Applesauce: This soft, pureed fruit option is easy to eat and can satisfy your sweet tooth without causing discomfort.
Best Foods That Won’t Damage or Get Stuck in Braces
As you adjust to wearing braces, it’s essential to choose foods that won’t damage your braces or get stuck in the wires and brackets. Here are some braces-friendly foods to incorporate into your diet:
- Soft Fruits: Fruits like bananas, melons, and berries are easy to chew and won’t harm your braces. Avoid hard fruits like apples unless they are cut into small, manageable pieces.
- Steamed Vegetables: Cooking vegetables until they are soft ensures they are easy to eat. Carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are excellent choices when steamed or roasted until tender.
- Pasta and Rice: Soft and easy to chew, pasta and rice can be a staple in your diet. Be sure to cook them thoroughly to ensure they are not too firm.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, and cheddar are delicious and won’t pose a risk to your braces.
- Lean Meats: Tender cuts of meat, poultry, and fish are easier to chew. Consider methods like slow cooking or baking to keep the meat soft.
- Bread and Muffins: Soft bread, muffins, and pancakes are braces-friendly as long as they don’t contain hard crusts or nuts.
- Pudding and Jello: These soft, sweet treats are perfect for dessert and won’t cause any issues with your braces.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck, leading to discomfort and potential complications in your treatment. To protect your braces and ensure a smooth orthodontic journey, avoid the following:
- Hard Foods: Foods like nuts, hard candies, ice, and raw vegetables (like carrots) can break brackets and wires. Always opt for softer alternatives.
- Sticky Foods: Sticky substances like caramel, chewing gum, and toffee can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean off.
- Crunchy Foods: Foods that are crunchy and hard, such as popcorn, chips, and pretzels, can damage your braces and get lodged in between brackets.
- Chewy Foods: Items like bagels, licorice, and certain types of bread are tough to chew and can cause your brackets to loosen.
- Sugary Foods: Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, including soda, candy, and sweets, can lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay. If you do indulge, ensure you brush your teeth thoroughly afterward.
- Whole Fruits and Vegetables: While fruits and vegetables are essential for your diet, certain hard varieties like apples and corn on the cob should be cut into smaller pieces to avoid putting pressure on your braces.
Navigating what to eat with braces can be a bit challenging at first, but with the right choices, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and braces-friendly foods. Sticking to soft foods when your teeth are sore, choosing items that won’t damage your braces or get stuck, and avoiding problematic foods will help ensure your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. At Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser, we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further advice on maintaining a braces-friendly diet, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
