Braces are made of metal wires and
brackets that are attached to your teeth. They work by applying gentle pressure
to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. However, this also
means that your teeth and gums are more vulnerable to irritation and injury
from hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. These foods can also break or loosen your
braces, which can delay your treatment and increase your costs.
Therefore, it is important to watch
what you eat with braces, especially in the first week, when your mouth is
still adjusting to the new appliance. By choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods, you
can reduce your discomfort and avoid complications.
What
to eat with braces the first week?
The best foods to eat with braces
the first week are those that are soft, smooth, or creamy. These foods require
little or no chewing, and they won’t get stuck in your braces or hurt your
teeth and gums. Here are some examples of what you can eat with braces the
first week:
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a great choice for breakfast or snack, as it is rich in
protein, calcium, and probiotics. You can choose plain or flavored yogurt
or add some fresh or canned fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Bananas: Bananas are one of the softest fruits you can eat with braces, and
they are also packed with potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. You can eat
them whole, slice them, or mash them. You can also add them to your
yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a comfort food that can fill you up and soothe
your sore mouth. You can make them with milk, butter, cheese, or sour
cream, and season them with salt, pepper, or herbs. You can also add some
cooked vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or corn, for more variety and
vitamins.
- Soups: Soups are another warm and comforting option for the first week of
braces. You can choose any kind of soup, such as chicken, vegetable,
tomato, or cream, as long as it is smooth and not too hot. You can also
add some soft noodles, rice, or bread to make it more filling.
- Pasta: Pasta is a versatile and easy-to-cook food that you can eat with
braces. You can choose any shape or size of pasta, such as spaghetti,
macaroni, or penne, and cook it until it is soft and tender. You can also
add any kind of sauce, such as tomato, cheese, or pesto, and some grated
cheese or cooked meat for extra flavor and protein.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a healthy and hearty breakfast that can keep you
energized and satisfied. You can cook it with milk or water, and add some
honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also add some
fruits, nuts, or seeds for more texture and nutrition. However, avoid
dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, as they can be sticky and
hard to remove from your braces.
- Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are a simple and delicious way to start your day with
braces. They are soft, fluffy, and easy to eat, and they provide you with
protein, iron, and vitamin B12. You can cook them with some butter, oil,
or cheese, and season them with salt, pepper, or herbs. You can also add
some soft vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes, for more
color and flavor.
- Soft vegetables: Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet, and you can
still eat them with braces, if they are cooked and soft. You can steam,
boil, roast, or mash them, and add some butter, oil, or cheese for more
taste and calories. Some of the best vegetables to eat with braces are
carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, squash, and pumpkin.
- Seafood: Seafood is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and
iodine, and you can eat it with braces, if it is cooked and soft. You can
choose any kind of seafood, such as fish, shrimp, crab, or lobster, and
cook it with some butter, lemon, or garlic. You can also add some pasta,
rice, or bread to make it more satisfying. However, avoid seafood that has
bones, shells, or scales, as they can damage your braces or get stuck in
them.
- Soft cheese: Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food that you can eat with
braces, as it is soft, smooth, and easy to chew. You can choose any kind
of soft cheese, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, or brie,
and spread it on some bread, crackers, or fruit. You can also add some
ham, turkey, or chicken for more protein and flavor. However, avoid hard
cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda, as they can be too tough and
sticky for your braces.
What
to avoid with braces the first week?
The foods to avoid with braces the
first week are those that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. These foods can
cause pain, inflammation, or bleeding in your mouth, and they can also break or
loosen your braces, which can interfere with your treatment and increase your
costs. Here are some examples of what to avoid with braces the first week:
- Hard foods: Hard foods, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, ice, chips, pretzels, or
candy, can crack or damage your braces, or get stuck in them. They can
also hurt your teeth and gums and make them more prone to infection. [5]
- Crunchy foods: Crunchy foods, such as apples, carrots, celery, or corn on the cob,
can also harm your braces, or get trapped in them. They can also irritate
your mouth and make it more sensitive and swollen. If you want to eat
these foods, you should cut them into small pieces, and cook them until
they are soft.
- Sticky foods: Sticky foods, such as gum, caramel, toffee, or gummy bears, can pull
or bend your braces, or make them loose. They can also stick to your teeth
and braces and make it harder to clean them. This can lead to plaque, tartare,
and cavities.
- Chewy foods: Chewy foods, such as bagels, pizza crust, beef jerky, or licorice,
can also affect your braces, or make them come off. They can also strain
your teeth and jaws and make them more sore and tired.
Conclusion
Eating with braces can be
challenging, especially in the first week of treatment. However, by following
some simple guidelines, you can enjoy a variety of foods that are good for your
health and your smile. Remember to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods, and avoid
hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods. Also, remember to brush and floss your
teeth and braces regularly, and visit your orthodontist for check-ups and
adjustments. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and successful braces
treatment, and achieve the smile of your dreams.