Did you just get braces put on? Or perhaps you’re scheduled to get them soon. A very common question is: What can you eat for the first week in braces?
Getting braces put on for the first time can leave your mouth feeling a bit sore in a few different ways. The soreness may last just a few days or up to a week. As a result, you may need to adjust your diet to make eating more comfortable during this time. There are also some foods to avoid now and for the duration of the time you’re in braces.
Here are some eating suggestions for braces wearers.
Foods That Are Good For the First Few Days
Right after getting your braces put on you may feel fine. But you may gradually start to feel discomfort as the day goes and you’ll probably be sore the following morning. As a result, start with soft foods, such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Protein drinks
- Pudding
- Jello
Anything you can drink or that doesn’t require much chewing is best for the first few days. Dairy products are especially good for your teeth and pack a lot of nutrients, fat, and protein to keep you full.
Foods to Try As Your Mouth Recovers
When your mouth isn’t quite as sore, maybe a few days later, you can try these:
- Pasta
- Soft bread
- Eggs
- Soft, cooked vegetables
- Bananas
- Cheese
Anything that is soft enough to chew gently and doesn’t cause you too much pain is good to eat at this point after getting braces.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid With Braces
There are some foods and drinks that are best to avoid for the duration of your time in braces, such as:
- Popcorn (kernels get stuck easily under bands and brackets)
- Ice (chewing on ice can break or bend your braces)
- Hard or chewy candy and gum (gets stuck and can pull brackets and bands off of teeth)
- Crunchy fruits and veggies (Just don’t bite into them, like an apple. Cut them into bite size pieces).
- Coffee, tea, dark soft drinks (these are known to stain teeth, which can cause the brackets to leave white squares on your teeth after being removed).
- Hard bread, pizza crust (can damage braces)
- Be careful with sugar (after you eat or drink something sugary, rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth if possible.
- Braces make you more susceptible to cavities).
- Avoid spicy foods if you have sore spots on the soft tissues of your mouth.
Alleviating Braces Pain During the First Week
Braces take a little time to get used to, but once your mouth adjusts you shouldn’t feel any more pain. You can take over the counter pain medication to help relieve aches and pains associated with braces. If your brackets rub sores on the inside of your cheeks and lips, use the wax your orthodontist issues to smooth over the rough spot and allow your sores to heal. After the first week your pain will likely be gone.
You may feel a little tightness and discomfort after each visit to the orthodontist as adjustments are made to shift your teeth. Check carefully before you leave the orthodontist’s office each time to make sure there are no protruding wires that could cause irritation.
Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics
Braces still remain one of the most common types of orthodontic treatment. At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we regularly treat patients with metal braces, correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues successfully through this method. If you are in search of an orthodontic practice, Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics offers free consultations.
Call any of our 3 convenient offices to schedule an appointment:
Minnetonka: 952-938-1443
Excelsior: 952-474-0288
Wayzata: 952-473-1993
Or request a complimentary consultation. We look forward to helping you or your child transform your smile.