What To Eat With Braces for the First Week

Getting braces is an exciting step towards achieving a show-stopping smile. However, adjusting to braces, especially during the first week, can be a bit challenging. It’s common for patients to wonder what to eat with braces the first week. To help make the transition to eating with braces smoother, here is an overview of what to eat, what to avoid, and how to ease into your new dental routine.

What Should I Eat the First Day With Braces?

The first day with braces can be uncomfortable as your teeth and gums start to adjust to the new pressure. To minimize discomfort and ensure you don’t damage your braces, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and gentle on your mouth. Soft foods can help you stay nourished without creating problems for your braces.

Recommended Foods for the First Day:

1. Smoothies: Packed with nutrients and easy to consume, smoothies are a great option.
2. Yogurt: This soft, creamy, and soothing food can be great for sore teeth and gums.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Comforting and easy to eat, mashed potatoes provide a filling option.
4. Scrambled Eggs: Soft and nutritious, scrambled eggs can be perfect for a gentle meal.
5. Soup: Warm, broth-based soups can be very comforting. Avoid soups with large chunks.
6. Pudding and Jell-O: These soft desserts can satisfy your sweet tooth without causing pain.

What Not To Eat With Braces the First Week

While there are plenty of foods you can enjoy, there are also some foods you should avoid to protect your braces and reduce discomfort. Eating foods that aren’t braces-friendly can be detrimental to your orthodontic treatment and potentially result in you needing to extend your treatment. 

Foods to Avoid the First Week:

1. Hard Foods: Raw vegetables, nuts, and hard candies can damage your braces.
2. Sticky Foods: Caramel, gummy candies, and chewing gum can get stuck and be difficult to clean out.
3. Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, chips, and pretzels can break brackets and wires.
4. Chewy Foods: Bagels, licorice, and tough meats can be challenging to chew and may cause pain.

What To Eat First Week With Braces

As you progress through the first week, you can start incorporating more variety into your diet while still focusing on soft foods.

Recommended Foods for the First Week:

1. Oatmeal is easy to eat and can be mixed with fruit.
2. Soft Fruits such as bananas, avocados, and applesauce are great options.
3. Rice and Pasta, cooked until soft, can be paired with gentle sauces.
4. Steamed Vegetables such as carrots, peas, and squash are nutritious and easy to eat.
5. Cottage Cheese is a soft, protein-rich option that pairs well with fruits.
6. Soft Sandwiches with soft, easy-to-eat ingredients can be great options.

The key is to choose foods that don’t require a lot of chewing and won’t put pressure on your braces. Being mindful when choosing foods can help you avoid creating problems for your braces.

What Fast Food Can I Eat With Braces the First Week?

While fast food isn’t always the best option for dental health, there are some fast food items that are unlikely to damage your braces or cause complications in your orthodontic treatment. Here are some options to consider if you need to eat fast food.

Braces-Friendly Fast Food Options:

1. Fish filets and chicken nuggets may be softer on the teeth compared to several other fast food items.
2. When eating sandwiches, choose soft bread and fillings like tuna salad. Avoid crunchy toppings.
3. When eating tacos, choose soft tacos and bean burritos that are gentle on your braces.
4. Soft side items like macaroni and cheese are great options.
5. If you’re craving something sweet or fruity, smoothies are easy on your braces.

To maintain your dental and overall health, it’s important to only consume fast food occasionally. However, sometimes you might be on the go and need to eat something quickly. 

How Long After Braces Can I Eat Normally?

Many patients start to feel more comfortable eating normally after the first week. However, it can take several weeks to fully adapt. 

Timeline for Eating Normally:

1. First Week: Stick to soft foods as your mouth adjusts to the braces.
2. After Two Weeks: You can start introducing slightly firmer foods, but avoid anything too hard or sticky.
3. One Month: By now, you should be more comfortable and can eat a wider variety of foods, still being cautious with hard or chewy items.
4. Throughout Treatment: Maintain good oral hygiene and be mindful of foods that can damage your braces, regardless of how comfortable you become.

Remember that adjusting to braces takes time. The length of adjustment varies for each person.

Tips for Managing Discomfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after getting braces. However, there are many ways to manage and reduce the discomfort. Here are a few tips to help you address any discomfort you may experience:

1. Use Orthodontic Wax: Apply wax to any brackets or wires causing irritation.
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Medications can help alleviate pain.
3. Rinse with Salt Water: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe sore gums.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water can help keep your mouth clean and reduce discomfort.
5. Eat Small Meals: Smaller, more frequent meals can be easier to manage than a few large ones.

Braces and More at Peterson Family Ortho

If you’re dreaming of having a beautiful smile, you’ve come to the right place. From what to eat with braces for the first week to ways to maintain your smile after treatment, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. If you have questions about orthodontic treatments in San Tan Valley, contact us today for a free consultation.

At Peterson Family Orthodontics, we are committed to providing top-notch service to our patients in a family-friendly and relaxing environment. We offer affordable payment plans, personalized service, and lifelong support.