For many people, the journey to braces is smile-changing. With the excitement of this new trip, it’s still normal to wonder what kind of food you can eat with braces. That you can still enjoy pizza? And what about grief? Is popcorn in the movies now a thing of the past? You may be wondering what you should completely avoid with braces. Need to know the answers to all these great questions to consider braces in the future?
But the good news is that you don’t have to eat a completely bland diet for the next year or a half. Apart from this, there are many other good foods that you can take with braces. In this article, we will try to remove all these concerns of yours. So stay with us.
Table of Contents
Why do certain foods need to be avoided with braces?
Crunchy and sticky foods like nuts, bubble gum, and hard candies like lollipops and candy canes can loosen your brackets and wires, potentially delaying your treatment. So to avoid damage, it is better to avoid all these foods and things while wearing braces.
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
Soft Foods
You need to choose soft foods while wearing braces because consuming them will not damage your brackets or wires. Doing all of these things will make it easier for you to chew and reduce the risk of discomfort
- Dairy
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft cheeses
- Pasta and noodles
- Rice
- Soft bread (without hard crusts)
- Tofu
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Cooked vegetables (e.g., carrots, spinach)
- Soft fruits (e.g., bananas, berries, peaches)
Proteins
Proteins are very important for overall health. There are so many ways to enjoy them with braces:
- Ground meats (e.g., beef, turkey)
- Fish (e.g., salmon, tilapia)
- Soft-cooked beans (e.g., black beans, lentils)
- Soft-cooked chicken (shredded)
- Eggs (boiled or scrambled)
- Nut kinds of butter (smooth peanut butter, almond butter)
- Hummus
Treats and Snacks
Braces-safe options for indulgence:
- Soft cookies (without nuts or hard chips)
- Cakes (without hard frosting or decorations)
- Smooth chocolate (no nuts or hard candy pieces)
- Ice cream (without hard mix-ins)
- Jell-O or gelatin
- Pudding
- Applesauce
Carbohydrates
Gentle carbs that won’t strain your braces:
- Muffins (without nuts or seeds)
- Soft-cooked grains (e.g., quinoa, oatmeal)
- Rice cakes (without hard coatings)
- Soft tortillas
- Pancakes or waffles (without crunchy toppings)
Dairy Products
Rich in calcium and gentle on braces:
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt (Greek, regular, or drinkable)
- Pudding
- Milk
- Cheese (soft and shredded)
Tips for Eating with Braces
- Chewy Foods
Foods such as bagels and hard meats can make it difficult for you to chew and cause your brackets or braces to shift out of place.
- Chew Slowly and Carefully
This helps reduce the risk of cutting too hard and damaging the braces.
- Stay Hydrated
When you drink plenty of water, the water carries the baby food particles along with it and keeps your mouth fresh.
- Cut Your Food into Small Pieces
When you cut your food, whether it’s fruit, vegetables, or meat, into bite-sized pieces, it helps you avoid putting too much stress on your braces.
Foods to Eat After Getting Braces Tightened
When your braces are tightened, your teeth and gums may start to hurt. During these days you should depend on soft foods. You can use these foods:
- Oatmeal
- Soups and broths
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
What to do when wires or bands on your braces come loose?
During your braces, you will have periodic appointments with the orthodontist to adjust your braces. Consideration of other issues may also occur in between this adjustment. You can tell your doctor about any problems you have from time to time, such as delays or broken wires or bands.
This can happen when you
- pick at your braces
- have an injury to your mouth
- eat sticky or crunchy foods
When your band or wire breaks, never try to pull or twist it as this can cause more damage, instead place a wet cotton ball or piece of orthodontic wax on the sharp edge while you clean your teeth. Don’t show up to the reprimand test. Be very careful during this time.
What Foods Can’t I Eat with Braces?
When you have braces, you need to avoid certain foods because they can damage your brackets and wires or cause discomfort and pain. Here’s a list of foods for you Here’s a list of foods for you that can help you avoid the things that cause you pain:
- Hard Foods:
Avoid foods like nuts, hard candy, raw carrots, apples, and corn, as they can damage or break your braces.
- Crunchy Snacks:
Hard foods like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and ice can break and twist the wires.
- Chewy Foods:
Try to stay away from bagels, hard meats, or licorice because they stress your braces and can loosen them.
- Sugary Foods:
Cut down on sugary foods like candy, sweets, cakes, and soft drinks, as they can increase your risk of cavities, especially when cleaning around braces is difficult.
- Sticky Foods:
It’s best to stay away from things like chewing gum, caramel, toffee, and gummy candy, which can not only get stuck in your braces but can also cause discomfort and pain.
What Can You Eat in the First Week of Braces?
Your mouth may be sore after the first application and you may need to learn different ways of chewing. Therefore, patients need to ask what they can eat in the first week of braces. It is our suggestion for you that you should eat soft foods for the first week of braces. Some of the best foods to eat are:
- Smoothies
- Seafood
- Moist desserts
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft cheeses
- Mac & Cheese
- Fruit Cups
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Pasta
Can I eat a burger with braces?
Yes, you can eat burgers with braces. Remember to chew
carefully. You can do one more thing you can cut your food into bite pieces to chew It easily.
Conclusion
Braces don’t have to make your diet boring! Focus on soft and nutritious foods that won’t damage your braces. By avoiding hard gummy and crunchy ears, you can ensure that your braces work optimally and keep your teeth on track for the perfect smile. Protect the bands and wires in your teeth so that you can enjoy all kinds of pleasures.
FAQs
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