Orthodontic braces are prescribed to straighten your teeth to not only impart a more pleasing appearance but also to help in better teeth cleaning. Initially, when you put on your new braces, you may feel some discomfort in your mouth and might find it a bit challenging to adjust to new eating habits. Moreover, eating the wrong foods with new braces might result in damaging your brackets or wires. Leading to urgent trips to your orthodontist and prolonging your treatment time.
To ensure a smoother transition, you should consider making healthy food choices for the first couple of days, until you become accustomed to your new braces. Read on to learn about the best foods to eat with braces, the first week.
How to Eat with Braces in the First Week
As braces start to change your teeth position the orthodontist will need to adjust them periodically to continue the alignment process. With each adjustment, your teeth may feel sore and sensitive to particular foods for a few days. Follow these tips to eat with braces:
- Stick to soft foods
- Avoid crunchy or sticky food
- Cut food into smaller pieces
- Take smaller bites
- Eat slowly and chew cautiously
- Don’t bite onto hard substances
- Use your back teeth to chew
- Use pain relievers to ease sensitivity
Foods to Eat and Avoid During the First Week with Braces
Patients who experience teeth sensitivity in the first few days after getting their braces should try more neutral alternatives like applesauce, yogurt, jelly, pudding, lukewarm soups, and mashed potatoes. Also with new braces, it is recommended to eat soft foods that need minimal effort to chew, such as:
- Shakes and smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Moist cakes
- Soufflés
- Stew
- Oatmeal
- Curry dishes
- Meatloaf
- Cheese
Here are Certain Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Hard or sticky candy
- Chips, hard crackers or pretzels
- Hard rolls and bagels
- Pizza crust
- Ice
- Crunchy raw vegetables and fruits
A Word of Caution While Wearing braces
While wearing braces, it’s essential to follow a healthy, nutritious diet to maintain your overall health! Remember that your teeth are more prone to cavities when you have braces, so avoid consuming foods or drinks rich in sugar content (especially soda!). Make sure to follow your orthodontist’s advice on healthy food habits with braces.
Also Read: Why You Should Choose Invisalign® Over Other Braces
Call us at (515) 207-4388 or contact us to learn more about the Invisalign and Clear Braces with Urbandale Smiles, or to schedule a dental appointment with one of our specialists today!
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