While braces are a big step towards gaining confidence from your pearly whites, the adjustment period can be frustrating and difficult. For the first few days, your teeth will likely be extremely sensitive. But don’t worry, that discomfort is only temporary. The good news is you can still enjoy lots of delicious food. You just have to be a bit more selective.
Smoothies, mashed potatoes, pasta, and yogurt are all braces-friendly options that will soothe your sore teeth during the initial days. Once the tenderness subsides, you’ll be crunching on apples, biting into burgers, and snacking on pretzels again in no time. For now, stick to softer foods, and in a week or so, you’ll forget you even have braces! Before you know it, you’ll be confidently flashing that stunning smile.
Soft and Tender: Best Braces-Safe Proteins
Soft and tender proteins like eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese should be at the top of your list. These foods provide protein without interfering with your braces.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs, poached eggs, and soft-boiled eggs are all great options. Avoid fried eggs, as the crunchy edges can be tricky to eat.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, and custard-style yogurt will soothe your mouth. Add in some mashed fruit if needed.
- Cottage cheese: The soft, creamy curds melt in your mouth. Top it with pineapple, peaches, or mandarin oranges for extra flavor.
With the right choices, you’ll get the protein you need without the pain. Stay patient through the adjustment period—your favorite foods will be back on the menu before you know it!
If you live in the state of Minnesota, quality orthodontic treatment and services aren’t difficult to find. 4.9% of all dentists serving in the state specialize in orthodontics. If you want professional advice on how and what to eat, look up the best Orthodontics near Excelsior, MN, to schedule an appointment. These experts will know exactly what you can and can’t eat while you have your braces on.
Crunchy Fruits and Veggies That Won’t Damage Braces
Crunchy fruits and veggies can still be on the menu; you just have to choose them wisely. Opt for softer options that won’t damage your braces, like:
- Bananas: Packed with potassium, bananas are naturally soft and braces-friendly. Mash them up for an easy snack, or add them to yogurt or oatmeal.
- Steamed broccoli: High in vitamins K and C, broccoli florets get soft when steamed and are perfectly safe for braces. Chop them up and dip them in hummus or melted cheese.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re easy to chew. Slice them up for salads or eat them whole as a refreshing snack.
- Avocados: Creamy avocados are loaded with healthy fats. Mash them on toast or in guacamole for a nutritious treat.
Eating with braces doesn’t have to be boring. With the right choices, you can enjoy tasty and nutritious fruits and veggies without worrying about damage or discomfort. Staying committed to your orthodontic treatment means choosing soft, braces-friendly options and avoiding overly crunchy or chewy fare.
Smoothies and Soups: Soothing Foods for Sore Teeth
Smoothies and soups are soothing, braces-friendly food options when your teeth are sore from recent adjustments.
Fruit smoothies made from soft ingredients like bananas, avocados, and leafy greens pack a ton of nutrients. Blend up a berry banana smoothie or a mango avocado spinach smoothie. The cool temperature and creamy texture provide relief from discomfort. Avoid seeds, chunks of fruit with skin, and anything crunchy.
For an extra nutritional boost, you can also add yogurt or a plant-based milk alternative to your smoothie. The probiotics in yogurt aid digestion and help reduce inflammation in the mouth.
Sweet dishes that you can eat with braces
Even with braces, you can still enjoy some sweet treats in moderation. Here are a few options to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- Yogurt with fruit: Yogurt provides calcium and protein, while fruit adds natural sweetness. Berries, bananas, and melons are all soft, braces-friendly options.
- Pudding: Whether chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor, pudding goes through and down easy, posing no threat to your braces.
- Ice cream: Look for ice cream without nuts or chunks of hard candy. Soft serve, sherbet, or frozen yogurt are ideal.
- Applesauce: Naturally sweet applesauce contains no chunks or bits that could get stuck in your braces.
- Pancakes: Pancakes are a great option if served without nuts or chocolate chips. Top them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Bread and grains
Soft breads and grains are usually fine to eat after getting braces as long as you tear them into small, bite-sized pieces. Some options include:
- White or wheat bread: Tear into small pieces you can chew comfortably with your braces. Avoid crusty bread.
- Soft granola bars: Check the ingredients to make sure there are no hard chunks of nuts or candy before eating.
- Oatmeal and cream of wheat: Cooked cereals are naturally soft and braces-friendly. Add a bit of honey, cinnamon, and fruit if desired.
- Rice and mashed potatoes: Soft, starchy side dishes are easy to eat and won’t irritate your braces or mouth.
- Pasta: Cooked spaghetti, mac and cheese, and other pastas are ideal for people with braces. Just be sure to cut long noodles into smaller pieces.
- Bananas and canned fruit: Mash bananas or drain and cut canned fruit into small pieces. The naturally soft texture won’t bother your braces.
Conclusion
So there you have it: 20 braces-friendly foods that will satisfy your cravings without damaging those shiny new wires. Eating with braces definitely requires some adjustment, but with options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies, you’ll still be able to enjoy delicious meals. Sure, crunchy snacks and chewy candies are off limits for now, but your teeth and orthodontist will thank you for being patient during treatment.