Eating With Braces: What to Eat & What to Avoid?

Getting braces might initially bring a whirlwind of questions, predominantly related to your diet. A recurrent question that haunts many first-time brace wearers is - what to eat and what foods to avoid after getting braces.

As new brace wearers or first-time braces users, navigating through your meal choices can indeed be daunting. Each bite might seem like a calculated move, to avoid pain, discomfort, or damage to your new appliance. Furthermore, the brackets and wires in your mouth create numerous nooks and crannies where food particles can easily get trapped, making the cleaning process post-meals a meticulous task. This brings in the essential need to modify your diet to include foods that are not just easy to eat but also easy to clean off your braces.

Thus, choosing the right foods becomes imperative to ensure that your braces treatment progresses smoothly without hurdles. In this comprehensive guide, we strive to ease those initial jitters by offering a detailed account of the foods you can relish and those you must avoid.

What to Eat with Braces

After getting braces, it is advisable to opt for soft foods and liquids, especially in the first week. These foods are less likely to damage your braces or hurt your teeth. Here is a list of options you might consider:

1. Soft fruits

Think bananas, mangoes, and oranges that are not only easy to chew but are rich in vitamins.

2. Mashed vegetables

Such as boiled carrots or pumpkin, which can be both nutritious and braces-friendly.

3. Yoghurts and soft cheeses

These are calcium-rich and gentle on your braces.

Remember, the first week is crucial in setting a foundation for your brace-wearing journey. Gradually introducing softer foods into your diet will help you adjust seamlessly.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Being cautious of what you eat can prevent damage to your braces. Hard and sticky foods are the main culprits you should avoid. Let’s delve into why:

1. Hard foods Foods like nuts and hard candies can break the brackets and wires.

2. Sticky foods

These can get trapped in your braces; hence avoiding foods such as caramel and toffees is advisable.

By avoiding these kinds of foods, you protect your braces and ensure a smoother teeth-straightening journey.

7 Tips to Eat with Braces for the First Time

Embarking on this journey involves adopting new eating habits. Here are tips to help you navigate this:

1. Take Small Bites

Reducing the size of your bites isn’t just good for digestion; it’s a lifesaver when you have braces. Smaller bites reduce the risk of food getting lodged in your braces and decrease the pressure on your teeth, preventing damage to the brackets and wires of your braces.

2. Avoid Using Front Teeth to Bite

The front teeth will probably be the most sensitive post braces-installation. Using your molars to chew can protect the front braces from unnecessary pressure and reduce the chances of the brackets popping off. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew them using your back teeth to avoid damaging your braces.

3. Go Slow

Eating quickly can sometimes lead to biting down hard on a piece of food, which can be painful and potentially damage your braces. Taking it slow allows you to be more mindful of the food you’re consuming, protecting both your braces and your teeth. Moreover, it aids in better digestion and enhances your eating experience.

4. Opt for Soft Foods

Especially in the first week, when your mouth is adjusting to the braces, soft foods can be your best friends. Foods like mashed potatoes, soft fruits, and pasta are gentle on your braces and won't cause discomfort while eating.

5. Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods

While we have elaborated on this in the 'foods to avoid' section, it is worth mentioning here again. Avoiding these foods will save you from unnecessary pain and trips to the orthodontist for repairs.

6. Use Utensils

Even with foods you’d normally eat with your hands, using utensils can help you cut them into smaller, manageable pieces and avoid the need to bite down using your front teeth.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids not only aids in digestion but also helps in keeping your mouth clean. It can help in washing away food particles that might get stuck in your braces.

By following these detailed tips, your initial days with braces will be much smoother and more comfortable, paving the way for a hassle-free teeth straightening journey. Remember, the goal is to maintain the integrity of your braces while ensuring a nutritious diet that facilitates your dental health.

How to Maintain Dental Health with Braces?

Wondering what are some easy tips to maintain your dental health while you are wearing braces? Here are a few that you must know:

• Regular cleaning. Ensure to clean your teeth after every meal to avoid food particles getting stuck.
• Consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This ensures gentle cleaning without hurting your gums.
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. It helps in maintaining the health of your teeth.

Straighten Your Teeth with makeO toothsi Clear Aligners

Embarking on the journey towards a perfect smile is indeed exhilarating. Knowing what to eat with braces and the foods to avoid with braces can make this journey much smoother. Remember, the initial days are all about adjustment and learning. So, take it slow, follow our guide, and you'll be on your way to achieving that dream smile, especially with pain-free options like the makeO toothsi clear aligners at your disposal. These are not just comfortable but invisible, allowing you the ease to smile confidently while undergoing treatment. makeO toothsi clear aligners guarantee a hassle-free journey to achieving the perfect smile. Happy smiling!

FAQs:

Can I eat a burger with braces?

Yes, you can have a burger with braces but make sure to cut it up into smaller pieces. It will also help if the burger is softer and easier to chew.

What foods are you not allowed to eat with braces?

Food items like popcorn, ice, nuts, crackers, candies, licorice, pizza crust and more which are either hard or sticky and chewy are not allowed when you have braces.

What can you eat during the first week of braces?

Comforting and soft foods like pasta, soups, cooked veggies, lentil soup, pudding, yoghurt, and soft bread are perfect for the first week of braces.

How long after getting braces can you eat normal foods?

You should take 2 weeks before you consume normal food after getting braces. By this time your mouth will have gotten used to the brackets and wires and the pain will have subsided. However, you must still make sure to avoid hard or chewy food like popcorn, candies, nuts, ice, etc as they can cause damage to the braces.

How long after getting braces can you eat normal foods?

You can start eating normal foods in about two weeks after you get your braces done. We recommend you indulge in soft foods and liquids during the first two weeks after your braces appointment.

Can I eat chapati in the first week of braces?

Though it is safe to eat chapati during the first week of braces, just to be extra cautious most dentists recommend patients to consume soft foods and liquids during the initial days after their braces treatment.

** Is it hard to eat with braces the first week?**

If you are eating soft foods, then they are easy to chew and they won’t cause undue tension for your jaws. However, if you are