When you get braces for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. You may be wondering what you can and can't eat, and how to make sure your teeth and braces stay healthy. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious foods that you can enjoy during the first few days with braces. Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, soups, pasta, seafood, soft vegetables, mashed potatoes, and soft cheeses are all great options for the first few days with braces.
Yogurt is a particularly delicious and protein-packed soft food that you can enjoy. Not only is it tasty, but it also provides a soothing chill to sore teeth. This numbing effect will feel great on your teeth and gums. You can also top your eggs with different cheeses, sour cream, tomatoes or avocado for a soft and healthy meal. However, there are some foods that you should avoid when you have braces.
Chewy breads like crispy sourdough or French baguettes, certain meats, jerky, fruit peels, apples, carrots, celery, and crispy potato chips can all exacerbate any discomfort you're feeling from new braces. An orthodontic floss or a floss threader may make the process much easier during the first few days with braces. This can be of great benefit if you experience uncomfortable symptoms after putting on your braces. You should also avoid foods that are very hard, sticky, or chewy such as candy, popcorn, hard bagels, hard meats, nuts and pizza dough. A fluffy heart-shaped pancake combined with scrambled eggs is a delicious soft food to eat when your child puts on braces for the first time. Soft fish is also an excellent option if your teeth hurt from starting treatment with braces.
Sugary candies should be avoided as they can damage braces. In addition to the foods you can eat on the first day or the first week after you put on your braces, there are plenty of other “brace-friendly” foods that you can enjoy during orthodontic treatment. Knowing how to handle them at home can help you feel more secure during the first few days with braces and throughout your treatment.
