Braces are a great tool for aligning smiles without much interference in your everyday life. However, to ensure they stay in tip-top condition and don’t cause you any added grief, there are some foods you should stick to and others you should avoid until your hardware comes off.
When you first get your braces on, your mouth generally needs a few days to adjust to the new pressure put on the teeth. Your gums will likely be sore, and even biting into a PB&J may be painful. To avoid any additional discomfort, stick to soft foods while your mouth is adjusting to the new bling in your mouth.
Best Foods For The First Week With Braces:
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Scrambled Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soft Cheeses
The sensitivity will go away within a week of your braces being on. Once your mouth starts to feel more normal, you can start transitioning back to your typical diet (with some exceptions).
Every time your braces get adjusted, you may feel slight discomfort for a few days. Eating the soft foods listed above will help keep your pain from adjustments to a minimum.
Foods to Completely Avoid With Braces:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Ice
- Gum
- Hard & Chewy Candy
- Pizza Crust
- Bagels
- Pretzels & Chips
Even though brackets and wires are securely attached to your teeth, certain foods can dislodge or break parts of braces. Instead of risking an emergency orthodontic visit, avoid the list of risky foods. Your favorite snacks will still be waiting for you when your treatment is over.
If your wires or brackets do break or become loose, don’t panic! Schedule an appointment with your dental provider as soon as possible. Cover any wires that may be poking your cheeks or gums with orthodontic wax while you wait for your appointment.
You may have to eat some foods differently than you are used to. You are still free to enjoy an apple or corn on the cob, but make sure you don’t directly bite into them. When you bite directly into an apple, it is more likely that your brackets will get hit by the tough foods and cause them to get dislodged. Cutting apples, meats, and thick slices of bread into bite-sized pieces allows you to chew with your back teeth, which have a wider chewing surface and are stronger than the front teeth.
Your orthodontic treatment depends on healthy teeth. Limit your intake of sugary foods and try to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. This will ensure your treatment goes smoothly and avoid bracket stains when your braces come off. Take extra care of your teeth during your treatment; your smile will thank you!
