Finally. Your braces are on, and you're well on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment shouldn't affect your quality of life too much. However, those wearing traditional metal braces will need to follow a few dietary restrictions for optimal results. Here, our team at Beth's Braces will explore what to eat with braces (and what foods to avoid). We'll also offer up a few tips and recommendations to help you during your first week of treatment.
What to Eat with Braces
Once your braces are on, you'll probably notice slight tenderness or sensitivity. These side effects are typical and should diminish in a few days. Eating softer foods will help reduce discomfort during this time. A soft food diet will also reduce the risk of damage and keep your braces looking and feeling great for the long haul. Here are some examples of what to eat with braces:
Ice cream: When else will your dentist encourage you to eat sweets? Take advantage of your time in braces and enjoy the cooling sensation of ice cream and milkshakes. These frozen treats actually help reduce inflammation and soothe sore tissues. Just be sure to brush your teeth afterward!
Yogurt: Whether it's breakfast or time for a snack, yogurt is an excellent choice when wearing braces. Soft and nutritious, yogurt doesn't require chewing, which makes it a perfect choice for sore or tender teeth.
Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccini, and macaroni and cheese are all excellent options. Cook the noodles a little longer to make them extra soft.
Soup: Typically reserved for cold winter nights and sick days, soup is also a good dietary choice when wearing braces. Chicken noodle soup has tons of protein and vitamins to boost your body's natural healing ability.
Mashed potatoes: Craving something filling? Try mashed potatoes. They're super easy to prepare, and you can add cheese, sour cream or butter for a little extra flavor.
Soft fruit: Even though you'll have a free pass for ice cream, it's important to incorporate healthy foods into your diet as well. Fruits like peaches, bananas or berries are soft enough to be eaten with braces.
Cooked vegetables: Be sure to eat your veggies, but cook them to make them softer. When boiled, baked or steamed, vegetables like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower are a perfect consistency.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are packed with protein. You can also add cheese, onions or peppers for a tasty meal at any time of the day.
Fish: If you're craving some meat, but you're not quite ready for chicken, beef or pork, fish is an excellent alternative. Boil it, bake it or fry it; fish is soft enough to enjoy no matter how it's prepared.
What Not to Eat with Braces
Now that you know what you can eat while wearing braces, let's take a look at some of the foods you shouldn't eat. As a general rule, we recommend steering clear of:
Nuts
Raw vegetables
Crunchy fruits like apples and pears
Hard bread
Taffy
Caramel
Hard candy
The foods listed above may be uncomfortable to chew – especially during the first few days of treatment. More importantly, however, hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky foods can actually dislodge or break your bands and brackets. Avoiding these foods altogether will significantly reduce the risk of damage to metal braces.
Other Tips and Tricks for Your First Week in Braces
In addition to knowing how to eat with braces, there are a few other guidelines that can keep you comfortable during your first week of treatment:
Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen can help alleviate the temporary discomfort associated with new braces. Follow the directions on the bottle, and always contact our office if you experience severe pain or discomfort.
Rinse with salt water as needed to reduce discomfort. Add half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds then spit out. Repeat this process as often as necessary to soothe irritated tissues.
Use orthodontic wax when necessary. If a wire is poking or irritating your tongue, cheeks or other soft tissues, place a piece of orthodontic wax over the problem area. Orthodontic wax can be provided by our office or purchased in the oral health aisle.
Always practice good oral hygiene. When your teeth and gums are tender, it's tempting to skip brushing and flossing. However, it's important to clean your teeth thoroughly two to three times a day. Ask our team to demonstrate proper hygiene techniques or ask about special tools that can help you effectively clean hard-to-reach spaces.
Learn More about Traditional Braces at our Las Vegas Practice
Have more questions about braces in Las Vegas? Reach out to our team. We can explain how to eat with braces so you can stay comfortable during treatment. To learn more about metal braces – or to schedule an appointment at our practice, contact us today.
