Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a perfect smile, but it also comes with adjustments—especially when it comes to eating. Braces make certain foods difficult to chew and can cause discomfort, especially in the first few weeks. Learning how to eat with braces correctly with braces is crucial to avoid unnecessary pain, maintain oral hygiene, and prevent damage to the brackets and wires.
With the right diet choices and eating techniques, you can enjoy meals without compromising your orthodontic progress. In this guide, we’ll cover the best foods to eat, what to avoid, and practical tips for pain management and oral care.
Foods to Eat When You First Get Braces
When you first get braces or have them adjusted, your teeth may feel tender, making chewing uncomfortable. To ease discomfort, choose soft, easy-to-eat foods that require minimal biting force. These foods will help you stay nourished while avoiding unnecessary strain on your teeth.
Best Soft Foods for the Initial Adjustment Period:
Learning how to eat with braces will help ease discomfort while ensuring you maintain a nutritious diet during the adjustment phase.
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal or soft cereals soaked in milk
- Yogurt and smoothies
- Applesauce
- Cooked vegetables like carrots and spinach
- Soft fruits such as bananas and ripe avocados
- Soups and broths
- Pasta and noodles
- Soft bread (without hard crusts)
Best Foods for Everyday Eating with Braces
As you adjust to your braces, you can enjoy a broader range of foods while being mindful of your dental hardware. Focus on soft, non-sticky options that won’t damage brackets or wires, ensuring a balanced diet without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Braces-Friendly Meal Ideas:
By incorporating these options into your diet, you can continue to enjoy a variety of delicious meals while protecting your braces. Stay here and learn how to eat with braces!
- Breakfast: Soft scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt with soft fruits
- Lunch: Soft sandwiches, rice with steamed vegetables, creamy soups
- Dinner: Baked fish, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta with sauce
- Snacks: Cheese slices, hummus with soft pita, soft granola bars
- Desserts: Pudding, soft brownies, ice cream (without nuts or hard mix-ins)
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods can be harmful to your braces and should be avoided to prevent damage. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods pose the most significant risk, as they can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck between your braces.
Avoid These Foods:
Avoiding these foods will protect your braces and ensure your treatment stays on track.
- Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, ice cubes, hard candies
- Sticky foods: Caramel, gum, chewy candies, taffy
- Crunchy foods: Chips, pretzels, raw carrots, corn on the cob
- Chewy foods: Tough meats, bagels, licorice
- Sugary foods: Excessive candy, soda, sugary juices (increase the risk of cavities)
Eating Techniques to Prevent Discomfort
Changing the way you eat can make a significant difference in your comfort level. By implementing these techniques, you can reduce discomfort after learning how to eat with braces while protecting your braces from damage. Here are some helpful tips:
- Cut food into smaller pieces: Instead of biting directly into foods like apples or sandwiches, cut them into bite-sized portions.
- Chew with your back teeth: This minimizes pressure on the front brackets and helps prevent dislodging them.
- Take smaller bites: Eating in smaller portions reduces strain on your braces and makes chewing easier.
- Avoid biting with your front teeth: If you need to eat foods like burgers, break them apart with your hands before consuming them.
- Eat slowly and mindfully: Rushing through meals can increase the risk of accidentally damaging your braces.
Dealing with Pain and Sensitivity
Learning how to eat with braces and how it can lead to soreness, mainly after adjustments, makes eating and daily activities uncomfortable. Choosing soft, soothing foods and using pain relief techniques like cold compresses or orthodontic wax can help ease discomfort and make the transition smoother.
Pain-Relief Strategies:
Pain from braces is temporary, and following these steps can make the transition easier.
- Stick to soft foods after an adjustment to minimize pressure on your teeth.
- Use a cold compress on your jaw to reduce inflammation.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore gums.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary (consult your orthodontist first).
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods, as they can increase sensitivity.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene While Eating
See how to eat with braces. Food particles can quickly get stuck between brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and plaque buildup. Proper oral hygiene is essential for keeping teeth healthy throughout treatment.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Clean:
A consistent oral hygiene routine will help you maintain a healthy smile while wearing braces.
- Brush after every meal to remove trapped food particles.
- Use an orthodontic toothbrush or electric toothbrush for better cleaning.
- Floss daily with special flossers designed for braces.
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Carry a travel toothbrush for on-the-go cleaning after meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these mistakes while learning how to eat with braces will help you protect your braces and keep your treatment on schedule. Even with the best intentions, some habits can damage your braces and prolong your treatment. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Chewing on complex objects (ice, pens, fingernails) – This can break your brackets or bend wires.
- Skipping, brushing, and flossing – Poor hygiene leads to plaque buildup and cavities.
- Eating foods that should be avoided – Ignoring food restrictions can result in broken braces.
- Biting into hard foods with your front teeth – Always cut food into smaller pieces instead.
- Drinking too many sugary drinks – Sugary beverages can lead to tooth decay and staining around brackets.
- Not using wax for irritation – If braces cause discomfort, orthodontic wax can help prevent sores.
- Ignoring discomfort after adjustments – Using pain-relief techniques can help you adapt to changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Can I Eat When I First Get Braces?
Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, and smoothies to avoid discomfort and protect your braces.
Which Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods like popcorn, nuts, gum, caramel, and crunchy chips, as they can damage your braces.
How Can I Reduce Pain When Eating With Braces?
Eat soft foods, take smaller bites, chew with your back teeth, use orthodontic wax, and apply cold compresses to reduce soreness.
Conclusion
Learning how to eat with braces may require some adjustments, but with the right approach, you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods while protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances. By choosing soft, braces-friendly foods, practicing proper chewing techniques, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you can ensure a smoother, more comfortable experience. Over time, these habits will become second nature, making your braces journey much more straightforward. Stick to these tips, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your favorite foods with a brand-new, perfectly aligned smile!
