Foods You Should Avoid
In the initial days of wearing braces, here are the foods you should avoid:
Meat
Most meats have a tough and fibrous texture, requiring more effort to chew. If you choose to eat meat, opt for softer options like meatballs, burgers, or shredded meats.
Acidic or Spicy Foods
In the beginning, it’s normal for braces to cause sores in your mouth. Therefore, avoid spicy or acidic foods, as they can cause irritation and discomfort when chewing.
Hard Foods
As with the previous point, you should steer clear of foods that require significant movement of your mouth when chewing. Hard foods like raw vegetables, nuts, or chocolate bars not only need a strong bite but also a lot of masticating force.
Cold Foods
While we’ll touch on it further down, cold foods can help ease discomfort when you have braces. However, since your teeth will be sensitive due to the pressure of orthodontics, it’s best to limit their consumption and avoid overindulgence.
Bread
Steer clear of toasted bread, crusts, or any overly crunchy options. You can eat the crumb or sandwich bread, but avoid baguettes, at least in the first few days.
Cereals
Can you eat cereal? Yes, as long as it’s soft. However, avoid very crunchy cereals at all costs, as they can cause pain in your teeth when chewing.
Sticky Foods
Foods with sticky textures, such as candy or chewing gum, should be avoided altogether. They can stick to the braces, making it very bothersome to remove them.
What Can You Eat with Newly Applied Braces?
It’s normal to experience discomfort in your mouth for the first few days after getting braces, even to the point of significant pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to your diet to avoid exacerbating the discomfort or, worse, damaging the braces.
Here’s what you should eat in the first few weeks:
Fish
Tuna, sardines, mackerel, salmon, or hake have a very tender texture and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which act as natural anti-inflammatories and soothing agents.
Vegetables
Surprised to see vegetables here? They are among the healthiest foods you can consume. Just be sure to avoid eating them raw; prepare them steamed or boiled, or make soups and purees.
Fruits
Yes, you can eat fruits, but they should be ripe and soft. Avoid biting directly into hard fruits, like apples; instead, cut them into small pieces or opt for smoothies and juices.
Eggs
Eggs can be prepared in various ways: fried, poached, in an omelette, or scrambled. They are easy to eat and require minimal chewing effort, making them ideal for those adjusting to braces.
Pasta
You can consume pasta as long as it is very soft and doesn’t require much effort. Cook it thoroughly instead of al dente, and ensure the pieces are small.
Rice
Rice is a staple food that can be consumed with braces as long as it is very well-cooked and soft. It pairs well with soups for a comforting meal.
Soups
Light and easy to consume, soups can be slurped and won’t require much effort. Additionally, you can add soft foods like potatoes, vegetables, fish, or chickpeas.
Cheeses
Soft and cold cheeses, like fresh cheese or mozzarella, will be helpful as they can alleviate some discomfort during chewing.