Getting braces can be exciting as you know you’re one step closer to straighter teeth and a picture-perfect smile. However, having braces can pose challenges like changing some of your eating habits and being even more meticulous about your oral hygiene.
One of the things that new initiates of the braces club struggle with is wondering what to eat with braces in the first week. That’s why board-certified orthodontist Dr. Mo is here to explain a step-by-step plan to get you through the challenges of eating in the first week of having braces. Continue reading to learn how to plan your meals for a smoother adjustment period!
Braces-Friendly Foods to Eat in the First Week
While braces are an amazing orthodontic treatment that can straighten imperfect teeth over time, you can expect discomfort in the first week after getting them. This is because teeth feel sensitive and sore temporarily as your mouth adjusts to the new device, and that’s completely normal!
You can make sure that you’re free from pain or discomfort in this transitional period by following a diet with soft foods that are easy to chew. While many expect a dramatic change in their diet after getting braces, you might be surprised to know most of your favorites are still on the menu! Here are some nutritious yet tasty options for each meal of the day.
Breakfast Options
- Scrambled Eggs
Soft and fluffy, they are a great source of protein and can provide an energetic start to the day. - Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a nutritious whole food that is comforting and satiating. For a healthy breakfast, top it off with mashed bananas or honey for extra flavor. - Smoothies
Since some fruits you like might be a little too solid in texture for this initial period, blending them into a smoothie can provide a refreshing treat. - Yogurt
Creamy and satisfying, it is a great breakfast and snack option. - Cream of Wheat
A warm bowl of this cereal is gentle on sensitive teeth and gums.
Lunch Choices
- Creamy Soups
Lukewarm pureed vegetable soups, like butternut squash or creamy tomato soup, are easy to eat and packed with nutrients. - Soft Pasta Dishes
Pasta with smooth sauces, such as marinara and alfredo, and softened chicken pieces can be easy to eat. Cooked vegetables can add extra vitamins. - Meatloaf or Meatballs
Ground meat is served with a side of mashed potatoes or soft vegetables. - Noodles and Fried Rice
Soft noodles or rice dishes can be flavored with gentle sauces and combined with soft-cooked vegetables. - Tofu Stir-Fry
Tofu is soft and rich in protein; cooking it with steamed vegetables in a light sauce is a protein-rich option safe to eat with braces in the first week.
Dinner Options
- Baked Fish
Fish like salmon or tilapia are soft and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice that’s easy to chew. - Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A nutritious alternative to regular mashed potatoes, they provide vitamins and fiber. - Shepherd’s Pie
It’s comforting and braces-friendly, made with ground meat and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. - Casseroles
Soft casseroles with ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and vegetables can be filling and nutritious. - Soft Tacos
Flour tortillas contain soft ingredients like beans, shredded chicken, or cheese. However, avoid crunchy toppings.
Foods to Avoid In the First Week of Braces
Another way to know what you can eat after the first week of braces is to know what you should not eat. Avoid hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and candies–they can break brackets!
Say no to sticky items like chewy candies that can get lodged in braces and are hard to remove. While crunchy vegetables and fruits are considered good additions to regular diets, whole apples, corn on the cob, and other hard options can harm your braces when you bite them.
Moreover, avoid chewy bread and meats, such as pizza crusts, bagels, and tough cuts of meat that might cause discomfort. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you will be a pro in eating with braces in no time!
Takeaway
Being careful about what you eat with braces in the first week is crucial for a smooth healing period. It’s normal to feel sensitivity in the initial period following braces, but you can keep that in check by following a braced-friendly diet.
If you want more advice on what to expect after getting braces, contact me at Wink Orthodontics. I’ll be happy to answer all your questions about braces and how to care for them. Call (469) 850-5555 to schedule a consultation.