To achieve a beautiful and straight smile, braces are an effective solution. But they come with a few adjustments, especially when it comes to what you can eat. After getting your braces, your mouth may be sore or suffer mild discomfort for the first few days. Luckily, the discomfort is only temporary, and it can be managed with a soft food diet.
Orthodontists recommend eating soft foods after getting braces because they’re easier to chew and minimize discomfort. Soft foods reduce the risk of damaging braces components like brackets and wires. In this blog, we learn why eating healthy soft food is important after braces. So, let’s begin!
Why Does It Matter What I Eat After Braces?
Braces are designed to withstand daily wear; however, hard foods can damage them. When damage to the braces occurs, the wires can come loose, setting your entire treatment back. Here are some of the main reasons why it matters what you eat after braces:
- Protects Braces: Eating hard foods can cause your brackets to break or wires to bend.
- Reduces Pain: After getting braces, your teeth become more sensitive, which is why soft foods are recommended for chewing.
- Prevents Injuries: Having crunchy foods can irritate your cheeks, tongue, or gums, especially when you are still adjusting to braces.
- Faster Adjustment: Eating soft foods allows your teeth to adjust comfortably while maintaining proper oral hygiene helps prevent cavities.
- Oral Hygiene: Soft foods are usually easier to clean off braces than sticky or crunchy foods, but patients should still brush and floss carefully after meals.
Best Soft Foods for Braces
When you are eating with braces, it is important for you to choose foods that are gentle on your teeth and brackets. Here are some soft foods for braces that you can enjoy:
Dairy Foods
Dairy products are soft and rich in calcium. Foods like yogurt, pudding, smoothies, and cheese are ideal because they require little chewing. Opt for low-sugar options to prevent plaque buildup and enamel weakening.
Cooked Grains
Soft and cooked grains like oatmeal, rice, noodles, and pasta are easy to chew. They won’t cause any damage to the brackets. Rinse well after eating soft grains like rice or pasta to remove any residue that could cling to braces.
Soft Fruits and Vegetables
You can opt for mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, spinach, or zucchini as they are gentle on your braces. You can also have fruits like bananas, applesauce, or peaches. Try to avoid biting directly into raw fruits like apples; instead, eat them cooked or as applesauce.
Protein-Rich Soft Foods:
Choose scrambled eggs, tofu, soft fish, tender chicken, or beans for protein. Protein supports general oral health and tissue repair, especially if mild irritation occurs from new braces.
Soups:
Soups are filling and soothing at the same time. You can have broth-based or creamy soups with soft ingredients like shredded chicken. Choose warm (not hot) soups to avoid tooth sensitivity, and select nutrient-rich, low-sodium options.
Food to Avoid With Braces
The following are several hard or sticky food items that you need to avoid after getting braces:
- Caramel
- Chewing Gum
- Toffee
- Raw Vegetables
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Sodas
- Tough Meats
- Crusty Bread
- Chips
Final Thoughts
It takes time for a patient to adjust to their braces, especially to their new diet. However, eating soft foods for braces can help reduce pain and sensitivity. Also, it will protect the brackets from unnecessary damage.
For expert consultation, you can visit Aava Dental of North Hollywood. Our experts make your braces journey smooth and comfortable. Call us now at (818) 792-4500 to schedule your visit today!