Food Suggestions to Eat With New Braces
1. Soft Foods to Soothe the Transition: In the days following the placement of your braces, your teeth and gums might feel sensitive. Incorporating soft foods into your diet can help ease this transition. Opt for options like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, pudding, and scrambled eggs. These foods are gentle on your braces and provide much-needed comfort during the initial adjustment period.
2. Nutrient-Rich Choices for Optimal Health: Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health, and having braces shouldn’t hinder your ability to consume essential nutrients. Include soft fruits (bananas, berries, and applesauce), steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and spinach), and lean proteins (chicken, fish, and tofu) in your meals. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal well-being.
3. Smoothies and Blended Delights: Smoothies offer a versatile and delicious way to nourish your body while avoiding discomfort from chewing. Blend your favourite fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, and a liquid (milk, juice, or water) to create a nutritious and easy-to-consume meal or snack.
4. Braces-Friendly Snacks: For those midday cravings, consider braces-friendly snacks like cheese cubes, soft crackers, and unsweetened applesauce. These options are safe for your braces and satisfying for your taste buds.
5. Be Mindful of Crunchy and Sticky Foods: While some adjustments are necessary, it’s equally important to be cautious about the foods that can potentially damage your braces. Avoid crunchy snacks like popcorn, hard candies, and sticky treats like caramel and chewing gum. These foods can create challenges and increase the risk of damaging your braces.
6. Hydration and Oral Care: Drinking plenty of water is always a good practice, but it’s especially important when you have braces. Water helps rinse away food particles and maintain oral hygiene. Remember to drink water after meals to keep your braces and teeth clean.
Tips for Enjoying Meals:
- Cut food into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make eating more manageable.
- Chew using your back teeth to reduce pressure on the braces.
- Take your time and chew slowly to prevent discomfort or damage to your braces.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages that could potentially stain your braces, such as tea or coffee.
The Best Thing to Drink with New Braces?
Drink lots of water throughout the day when you first get braces. Avoid soda and sugary drinks, as your teeth are even more likely to have cavities when you have braces. Ready to start your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile with braces? Contact us here at Scantlebury Orthodontics to schedule your FREE consultation!
African-American Orthodontist Dr. Sophia Scantlebury and her team at Scantlebury Orthodontics are experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, accelerated braces, VPro5, The PROPEL System, or Invisalign in the 11238 zip code area: Brooklyn, Prospect Heights, Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope, or Brooklyn Heights, NY, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Scantlebury, contact Scantlebury Orthodontics at: 718.230.5046