What to Eat After Getting Braces 2024: Guide
Whether you’re 17 or 40, getting braces is no walk in the park. Your teeth hurt (at first), and your lips, tongue, or the inside of your cheeks may occasionally get caught in the braces. The real challenge, though, is adjusting your diet.
Crunchy foods like nuts or corn kernels can damage braces, and sticky foods are tricky. Also, say goodbye to biting into whole apples – you’ll have to switch to sliced or cubed fruit for a while. But it’s not all about the inconveniences. This is also a great chance to discover new foods and maybe even better eating habits.
If you’ve just embarked on the journey to better-aligned teeth, here’s a guide on what to eat after getting braces. I also consulted with our on-team nutritionist, who has some tips on what to eat to improve your teeth for the future, so make sure to read until the end!
What Not to Eat After Getting Braces
If you made the decision to get braces, good for you! You are a step closer to having that gorgeous smile you’ve been dreaming about. However, since you’ll have a literal installation in your mouth, pulling and pushing your teeth, you'll need to make a few adjustments. Importantly, your diet needs a little makeover.
This is because certain foods can wreak havoc on those shiny new metal accessories, causing everything from bent wires to full-on bracket emergencies. The truth is that braces are fragile, and sometimes, it’s enough to take a bite out of an extra crunchy food to pop a wire or unstick a bracket.
If this happens, you’ll have to go back to your orthodontist (sooner than planned) and have your braces repaired. This means extra money and time for your treatment. Plus, some foods can easily get stuck in braces, which can lead to discolorations and even cavities.
Here’s a list of foods you should stay away from while you have braces on:
What to Eat After Getting Braces
In the first few days, you will experience some mild pain in the teeth and sensitivity in the mouth. This is normal, and you’ll have the same experience every time you go for an adjustment (usually every few months, but it’s different for each person).
The best thing you can do is be extra careful with what you eat the day of getting braces installed or making an adjustment and 1 or 2 days after. The rest of the time, you can eat pretty much anything you like except the foods listed above.
What to Eat Right After Getting Braces
To keep both your teeth and your braces happy, it’s best to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods. These will not only be gentle on your braces but also help you avoid any unnecessary discomfort during the adjustment period.
Here’s what your new braces-friendly diet should include:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and soft, these are easy to eat and provide some much-needed comfort.
Yogurt: Smooth and soothing, yogurt is perfect for when your teeth are feeling tender.
Soup: A warm bowl of soup (without hard or crunchy bits) is a great way to get nutrients without stressing your teeth.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy and light, scrambled eggs are easy on your braces and full of protein.
Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk for a nutritious, braces-friendly meal that’s easy to sip.
Pasta: Soft-cooked pasta is easy to chew and can be paired with various sauces for a tasty meal.
Oatmeal: Warm and hearty, oatmeal is gentle on your braces and keeps you full.
Seafood: Soft, flaky fish like salmon or tilapia are excellent choices. They’re easy to chew and packed with nutrients.
Soft Cheeses: Indulge in creamy cheeses like brie or ricotta. These are gentle on your teeth and add a delicious, savory option to your menu.
As your mouth adjusts, you can gradually add in more foods, but keep it soft and simple! Think soft fruits like bananas, cooked vegetables, and tender meats. Your braces-friendly diet doesn’t have to be boring – just make sure to avoid anything too hard, sticky, or crunchy.
Extra tip: You should also avoid ice cream and spicy foods, even though they are soft and creamy. The cold in the ice cream and the spice can make your already sensitive mouth and teeth extra achy, and it’s not worth the aggravation. Just wait a few days, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the ice cream you want!
Other Braces-Friendly Foods
While the pain and sensitivity subside after a few days, it can take up to 2 weeks to get used to the braces. But once you get used to them, it’ll be like they were always there, so there’s nothing special to consider.
As long as you avoid the foods I mentioned above, you can enjoy whatever delicious recipes you want. To avoid any braces-related troubles altogether, stick to soft foods like cooked veggies, hamburgers, Mac n Cheese, fish filets, and so on.
This may mean you cook more at home and eat out less (cleaning spinach from your braces in a restaurant bathroom is not that fun), which can also be good for your nutrition and health. If you don’t have the time or energy to cook everything from scratch, I suggest a meal delivery service like Factor or HelloFresh.
Author’s Tip: Factor is great if you don’t want to cook at all. The company sends you single-serving, ready-made meals that only need a few minutes in the microwave or oven. You also get to choose from a wide range of smoothies, juices, and shakes as add-ons.
If you want to be more hands-on with your nutrition and learn how to shop for ingredients and cook, you should check our tips on meal planning. You’ll learn how to plan your meals and how to keep track of your food without going overboard.
How to Eat Comfortably With Braces
While you’ll sometimes forget you’re wearing braces, come lunch or dinner time, and you’ll be reminded of them. That’s just how things are, but there are a few things you can do to keep things going smoothly.
Overall, you’ll have to adopt the octogenarian lifestyle. Soft and tender foods, small-cut pieces, soups, and jello will be a part of your life. I also recommend investing in an instant pot or a crockpot – they’ll be with you for years to come, and you’ll love the convenience.
When you chew something, use your back teeth for the tougher bits. This takes the pressure off your front teeth and keeps your braces intact. Also, don’t eat meat off the bone (this is why a crockpot is extremely useful).
Remember to stay hydrated, but avoid sugary drinks as much as possible. Braces make cleaning your teeth more difficult, and sugary drinks are among the leading causes of tooth decay, especially for teenagers and children¹.
You can still enjoy sweets as long as you avoid hard and sticky candy. Chocolate, soft cookies, peanut butter cups, cake, and even chocolate bars (like Kit Kat or 3 Musketeers) are easy on the braces.
What Happens After You Eat?
When you have braces, oral hygiene is even more important than before. Now, it is paramount that you carefully brush your teeth after every meal and make sure no food particles get caught in or around the bracket and wires.
To ensure your teeth are squeaky clean after you eat, you’ll need special tools like small brushes, special flossers (like a water flosser), and others. Visit your orthodontist as scheduled for adjustments to ensure no cavities or other problems are sneaking in.
What to Eat for Stronger Teeth
Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your teeth. The foods and drinks you eat directly affect the condition of your teeth and gums².
Sugary and acidic foods, for example, can lead to tooth decay by creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, producing acids that erode enamel.
On the other hand, a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals – such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus – is essential for maintaining strong enamel and bone health. Dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts are particularly beneficial.
Hydration and saliva production are also crucial. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, helps wash away food particles and bacteria while also aiding in saliva production, which naturally protects teeth by neutralizing acids and providing minerals.
In conclusion, if you want that gorgeous smile, you also have to pay attention to your diet. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a smile-friendly diet includes dairy, fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, and meats and other proteins. You should also limit sugary snacks and beverages to prevent tooth damage.
FAQ
What foods are safe to eat immediately after getting braces?
Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are recommended right after getting braces, as they are gentle on your teeth and gums.
Can I eat fruits and vegetables with braces?
Yes, but it's best to stick to soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons. Vegetables should be cooked until soft or cut into small, manageable pieces to avoid putting pressure on your braces.
Are there any foods I should completely avoid with braces?
Yes, there are foods that can damage the braces or get stuck in them. Also, there are foods that promote faster tooth decay if you don’t have the right tools to clean your teeth properly.
Is it okay to eat bread and pasta with braces?
Yes, soft bread and pasta are safe to eat. However, avoid hard, crusty bread or overcooked pasta that might require excessive chewing, which could be uncomfortable.
How should I prepare my meals to make them braces-friendly?
There are a few ways to make your food more braces-friendly, such as boiling, steaming, or slow-cooking the ingredients. Cutting food into smaller pieces and avoiding tough or chewy ingredients can also make meals easier to eat with braces.
Can I eat dairy products after getting braces?
Absolutely! Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great choices as they are soft, rich in calcium, and promote healthy teeth and bones.References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5030497/
