But not all soft food be eaten in the first days with braces. Eating with braces can be tricky. In the first week, your mouth will still be adjusting to the brackets, hooks, and wires in your mouth. As these rub on your gums, it will create discomfort and can sometimes cause abrasions to the softer skin in your cheeks. So in addition to a soft diet, avoid citrusy and spicy foods that might aggravate the pain from the abrasions. The orthodontist here at Forest & Ray will provide you with wax that you can place over these tender areas to soothe them while they heal.
Some Other Food Options
For some patients, the first few days create sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. For others, cold foods like frozen yogurt and ice cream will be soothing. If you discover that you have sensitivity, try more neutral options like applesauce, yogurt, jello, pudding, luke-warm soups, and mashed potatoes for the first couple days.
Some other foods that you can eat during your first week of braces include:
- Shakes and smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Moist cakes
- Souffles
- Chili
- Stew
- Oatmeal
- Curry dishes
- Meatloaf
Some Foods To Avoid
Now that we’ve addressed the matter of what you can eat, it is equally important to know what you shouldn’t eat.
What foods are no-nos:
- Hard nuts, candies, hard fruits (like apples and pears)
- Hard vegetables (like carrots and corn on the cob)
- Chips
- Taco shells
- Pizza crust
- Pretzels
- Tough meats
- Ice
- Sticky stuff like taffy, gum, caramels
And, Another Thing
Keeping in mind that it is important to stay hydrated, not every liquid should be ingested. Drink lots of water throughout the day, avoiding pop and sugary drinks as your teeth are even more susceptible to cavities when you have braces. And, by all means, consult the dental professionals at Forest & Ray who can give you meal menu ideas and other useful information.