New braces always take a little getting used to, from the new ways of brushing your teeth to the pressure you feel for the first few days after installation. Your family dentist can offer some help to make the pain easier, but it may take a while to figure out how to eat with braces.
One thing that can make the change easier is to know what to eat. With braces, your teeth may be more sensitive. Eventually, the pain will fade and you’ll get used to how the braces feel. Until then, it’s often a good idea to avoid hard foods that take more effort to chew and stick to softer ones that take less work. Here’s a list of some best foods for new braces that can make the first few days a little easier.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent choice immediately after getting your braces installed. As a soft food, yogurt requires little chewing, making it an easy option for breakfast when you aren’t up to cereal yet. It’s also high in calcium and protein, which can help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Many yogurts also contain probiotics, which are active cultures of beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion. Remember to brush your teeth after eating; yogurt typically contains sugar, so brush and floss after meals to look after your teeth.
2. Soup
Soup is another natural choice for eating with braces. A warm bowl of soup is great for relieving pain and inflammation and helping you overcome the discomfort early. There are also plenty of nutritious soup recipes available online. For ideal results, stick to soups rich in broth rather than ones with hard ingredients. Chicken noodle soup is one of the best recipes for people who’ve just gotten braces. It’s full of vitamins and minerals to keep your teeth healthy and help you recover faster. You can also spice up your soup by soaking some bread or crackers in the broth until they soften.
3. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are both soft and packed full of vitamins and nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin A, which the body needs for healthy teeth and gums. They also contain plenty of keratin, which helps promote the formation of more tooth enamel. There are a variety of methods you can use to cook your sweet potatoes, including frying, baking, mashing, or steaming. To make them even more mouthwatering, try adding some toppings like cheese, chives, or spices to take your food to the next level.
4. Eggs
Eggs are one of nature’s superfoods, and they’re soft enough to eat for the first few days with braces to boot. They’re also rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which the body needs to develop strong bones and teeth. Eggs are also flexible; most people think of eggs as a breakfast food, but they also do well as lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Try adding some more ingredients to go with your eggs like cheese, tomatoes, or sour cream to spice up your next meal and keep things interesting. Hard-boiled or fried eggs are good cooking methods, but if your teeth are extra sensitive scrambled may be easier to chew.
5. Cooked vegetables
Raw vegetables are one of those foods to avoid with braces, but baking or boiling softens them up. Carrots, greens, and squash are particularly healthy options. Most vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your gums from cell damage. Leafy greens, on the other hand, contain plenty of folic acid, which helps support cell growth throughout the entire body. Leafy greens are generally soft, so these vegetables can work well as side dishes or salads.
6. Pasta
Pasta dishes are both extremely soft and extremely filling. They’re full of complex carbohydrates to help you feel full after eating and give you a sustained source of energy. Many pasta recipes are quick and easy, making them an excellent food option for those with more active lifestyles. Boil your noodles for an extra minute to soften them up. Al dente may be ideal for normal occasions, but not when you have braces.
7. Fish
Beef, pork, and even chicken may be a little too much when you’re starting out with braces. However, fish is a soft and healthy alternative that’s both easy to chew and provides your body with plenty of essential nutrients. One example is omega-3 fatty acids, which help counter inflammation and protect against gum disease. Fish’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help bring down the pain and swelling around your teeth for the first post-braces days. There are also a variety of ways to cook fish, so check out some great fish recipes to make eating fun even as you adjust to your new braces.
8. Smoothies
Smoothies are another soft food option that takes little chewing to go down. There’s an endless variety of fruits, vegetables, and liquids you can combine to make your own unique blend. Smoothies are also served chilled, so the cold can do much to reduce pain and swelling. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you may also want to try adding some sweet goodies, like ice cream, on cheat days. When you’re on the go, you can also take your smoothies with you so you can enjoy the cold, tasty treat wherever you go.
9. Ice cream
One way of soothing braces-related discomfort is eating something cool. Cold foods like ice cream help numb pain and reduce inflammation, giving you some relief. Remember to stick to softer ice creams and flavours without chunks of ingredients mixed in. Nuts, marshmallows, and chocolate bits may be too much for your teeth, so look for plain flavours instead. You can also think of the ice cream as a treat, more so if it’s your kids getting braces. Think of it as a reward for your little ones being brave during the procedure. Just make sure to brush after eating to remove any sugar on your teeth.
Additional Tips
However long you’re stuck with braces, it’s vital you stay patient. Cosmetic dentistry might feel like it’ll take forever, but ultimately you won’t have them for long, and the cost of braces will be well worth it. Until then, there are some other things that can make the wait easier, including:
- Avoiding big bites
Cut your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces for ease of chewing, and chew slowly and carefully. - Use wax to fight any sores
In case of any pain, use orthodontic wax to ease any discomfort around the brackets. In time, your skin will toughen and those spots won’t be as sensitive. - Rinse with saltwater
Another remedy in case of sensitivity is rinsing with a saltwater solution. Mix half a tablespoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and rinse for 30 seconds. The mixture helps relieve pain and allows sore spots to heal faster.
When you experience dental issues, you need a dentist you can count on. Simcoe Smile Dental boasts a compassionate team dedicated to your oral health. We use the latest technologies and techniques including behind the teeth braces at good prices to help you give your teeth and gums the care they deserve. Call us now at (289) 312-1482 to make an appointment.