What to eat with braces

Orthodontic treatment with braces is suitable for people of any age and aims to align the teeth to correct deviations or dental misalignments.

Whether they have been placed during childhood or adulthood, the first few weeks can be quite uncomfortable until the mouth gets used to them, and eating can be quite challenging. So, what can you eat when you have braces?

Food to avoid

In the initial days of having braces, here are the foods you should steer clear of:

Meat

Most meats have a tough and fibrous texture, requiring more effort to chew.

If you’re going to eat meat, opt for those with a softer texture, such as meatballs, hamburgers, or shredded meats.

Acidic or Spicy Foods

At the start, it’s common for braces to result in mouth sores. That’s why it’s advisable to steer clear of spicy or acidic foods, as they may lead to irritation and discomfort while chewing.

Hard Foods

Linked to the first point, it’s important to avoid foods that require extensive mouth movement when chewing.

Hard Foods, such as raw vegetables, nuts, or chocolate bars, not only require a strong bite force but also significant chewing force.

Cold Foods

As we’ll see shortly, cold foods are beneficial when wearing braces because they alleviate discomfort. However, due to the pressure from orthodontic appliances, teeth may be sensitive. Therefore, their consumption should be greatly reduced and not overindulged.

Bread

Avoid eating toasted bread, crusts, or anything too crunchy. You can eat the soft part or sliced bread, but not baguettes. At least for the first few days.

Cereals

Is cereal okay to eat? Yes, if it’s soft. But, if it’s extremely crunchy, you should steer clear to prevent any discomfort while chewing.

Sticky Foods

You should steer clear of foods with a sticky texture, such as caramel or chewing gum, at all costs. They can stick to the braces, making it very uncomfortable to remove them.

What can you eat with newly placed braces?

During the initial days following the procedure, experiencing mouth discomfort, even significant pain, is typical.

Hence, it’s crucial to be mindful of your food choices to prevent worsening the discomfort or, in the worst-case scenario, loosening the brackets.

Here’s a recommended diet for the first few weeks:

Fish

Tuna, sardines, mackerel, salmon, or hake boast tender flesh and are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Vegetables

Are you taken aback to see vegetables included? Not really, as they’re recognized as one of the healthiest food choices.

However, it’s advisable to refrain from consuming them raw. Instead, consider steaming, boiling… or try alternatives such as soups, purees, or hummus. Gazpacho is another excellent option known for its smooth and light consistency.

Fruits

Can you consume fruit while having braces? Absolutely, but it’s advisable to choose ripe fruits to ensure they’re softer.

To prevent putting too much strain on your mouth, avoid biting directly into fruits like apples. Instead, it’s preferable to cut them into smaller pieces and eat them slowly. You can also incorporate them into smoothies or juices for easier consumption.

Eggs

They’re versatile and can be prepared in multiple ways: fried, poached, as an omelette, scrambled… All of these options are easy to consume and require little effort to chew.

In the initial days, they can be particularly beneficial as your mouth adjusts gradually to the braces.

Pasta

You can enjoy pasta provided it’s exceptionally tender and easy to chew.

Ensure thorough cooking rather than al dente to prevent any discomfort, and opt for smaller shapes such as shells or macaroni.

Rice

A common dietary component suitable for consumption with braces, provided it’s thoroughly cooked to attain a soft texture. For variety, consider pairing it with soups as an alternative to noodles.

Soups

Light and effortless to consume, soups can be easily slurped and don’t demand much effort. You can enhance them with ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, fish, or chickpeas, ensuring they’re softened for ease of eating.

A helpful tip: refrain from consuming the soup when it’s extremely hot. In the initial weeks, your mouth will be sensitive, and extreme temperatures can cause discomfort while eating.

Cheese

Fresh cheese, spreadable cheese, mozzarella, and all soft varieties consumed cold can greatly assist in relieving discomfort while chewing.

Oats

It’s an extremely soft and easily chewable food. However, the reason it’s recommended is for its satisfying effect.

According to a study conducted by Harvard University, oats are more filling than other foods, which is why they are included in many diets. The optimal time to consume them is in the morning, for breakfast, along with milk, juice, etc.