Fruits, particularly soft and low-sodium varieties, can be excellent soft foods for braces. These fruits are high in vitamin C, which benefits the oral cavity’s overall health. They also aid in the prevention of gum disease. Some of the best fruits to eat while wearing braces are listed below.
You may wonder what foods are safe to eat during the adjustment period if you or a loved one has recently been fitted with braces. While hard, crunchy, or sticky meals might damage braces, many delicious and healthy options remain. Eating with braces can be difficult, but with the right foods, you can still have a varied and satisfying diet.
Soft Foods to Eat with Braces
When eating with braces, it’s important to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods because they can damage the braces or dislodge the wires.
However, many delicious and nutritious soft foods can be consumed while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here are some examples of soft foods that are suitable for people who wear braces:
Mashed Potatoes
These soft and comforting potatoes can be easily mashed with a fork or spoon. They are high in potassium and provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Cooked Pasta
Another great soft food option is pasta, such as spaghetti or macaroni. It’s easy to chew and can be flavored with various sauces.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a high-protein food that can be easily mashed with a fork or spoon. For added flavor, they can be flavored with herbs and spices.
Soft Fruits
Berries, ripe bananas, and melons are easy to chew and contain important vitamins and minerals. They also have a lot of fiber.
Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables
Carrots, zucchini, and broccoli can be steamed or sautéed to soften and make them easier to chew. They include large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Soups and Stews
Soft and easy to eat, soups and stews can be made with various ingredients for added flavor and nutrition.
Soft Cheeses
Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese are easy to chew and high in calcium and protein.
Tofu
Tofu is a versatile protein source that is soft and easy to chew, making it an excellent option for those who wear braces.
Yogurt
Yogurt is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics. It is simple to chew and can be flavored with fruit or honey for extra flavor.
Smoothies
Smoothies made with soft fruits and yogurt can be a great way to get various nutrients in one meal.
Soft Slices of Bread and Crackers
Soft slices of bread and crackers, such as white bread, rolls, and rice cakes, are high in carbohydrates and make excellent sandwiches or toast.
You can get the nutrients you need while taking care of your braces by incorporating these soft foods into your diet. It’s important to remember that this list is not exhaustive, and you may be able to eat other mild foods, but it’s always best to consult with your orthodontist before trying anything new.
What are Some Easy-to-Prepare Foods?
Soft foods are easier to chew and provide much-needed nutrition for those who wear braces. Yogurt, fruit, and frozen popsicles are simple suggestions for delicate foods after bracing. Popsicles are excellent for relieving sore gums.
Adding soda or other cold beverages to frozen popsicles is an excellent way to improve their appeal. Fish is another great option for people who wear braces because it can be fried, boiled, or baked to make it super soft.
Soup is another excellent soft food to consume after braces. It is available in several varieties and is simple to prepare. Soup from a can is also convenient because it is quick and simple to prepare.
Fruits are also a good option because they are soft and tasty and can be eaten at any time of the day. Avoid fruits that have hard or crunchy seeds.
Can you Bite into Soft Foods with Braces?
It is generally advised to avoid biting into hard, crunchy, or chewy foods while wearing braces, as these can damage the braces or dislodge the wires. Instead, stick to soft foods that are easily mashed or cut into small pieces before eating.
This way, the food is easier to chew and does not put pressure on the brackets or wires. Soft meals include cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft fruits, steamed or sautéed vegetables, soups and stews, soft cheeses, tofu, yogurt, smoothies, and soft bread and crackers. Always consult with your orthodontist before attempting any new food.
Can I Eat Noodles with Braces?
You can eat noodles with braces, but you must select the right type and prepare them in a way that makes them easy to eat with braces. Some noodles that are considered softer and may be easier to eat with braces are:
- Cooked pasta: Cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or macaroni, is a fantastic choice because it’s simple to chew and goes well with a range of sauces for flavor.
- Soft noodles: Some noodle types, such as undo and soba, are considered more delicate and easier to chew than others.
- Rice noodles: Rice noodles are another good option because they are soft and easy to chew.
It’s important to remember that crunchy and chewy noodles, such as raw or al dente spaghetti and any fried noodles, can damage or dislodge the braces.
Avoid saucy, spicy, or hard items like nuts when cooking noodles, as these can be difficult to chew and may harm the braces.
Additionally, when consuming noodles, it is vital to chop them into smaller pieces and chew them properly to prevent placing additional strain on the braces.
Always with your orthodontist about your diet and which foods are safe to consume while wearing braces. They will be able to provide you with recommendations tailored to your circumstances.
What can I Drink with Braces?
You must be careful about the beverages you consume when you have braces because some can damage your braces or cause tooth decay. The following drinks are considered safe to drink while wearing braces:
- Water: Water is the best option because it is hydrating and contains no sugar or acid, which can damage your braces or cause tooth decay.
- Milk is a great source of calcium and promotes the health of your teeth.
- Clear broths: Clear broths are a good option because they are easy to drink and do not contain any ingredients that could damage your braces.
- Tea and coffee (no sugar or syrups): Tea and coffee can be consumed in moderation, but adding sugar or syrups can cause tooth decay.
- 100% fruit juice: Although 100% fruit juice is high in vitamins and minerals, it should be consumed in moderation because it is high in sugar.
It is critical to avoid or limit beverages that can harm your braces or cause tooth decay, such as:
- Diet soda and other soft drinks
- Sports beverages
- Energizing beverages
- Juices from citrus fruits
- Alcoholic drinks
Rinse your mouth after drinking through a straw is also a good idea, which can cause the wires to become loose or dislodged.
What is the Best Age for Braces?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by seven. This is because many adult teeth have erupted by this age, and an orthodontist can identify potential problems that may necessitate early intervention.
However, the best age for braces varies depending on the individual case. Early intervention may benefit some children, while others may not require treatment until they are older.
When the permanent teeth have come in, the most common age for teenagers to get braces is around 11-14.
Adults can wear braces at any age as long as they have healthy gums and enough bone to support the brackets and wires.
Finally, the best age for braces is when the orthodontist determines that treatment is required to correct a bite or alignment problem, and the patient is willing to undergo it.
How to Sleep with Braces?
Sleeping with braces can take some getting used to, but there are a few things you can do to make it more comfortable:
- Use a soft pillow: A soft pillow can help reduce pressure on your braces and prevent them from digging into your cheeks or gums.
- Use orthodontic wax: If your braces are irritating, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the brackets and wires.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your braces and cause discomfort. Try sleeping on your back or side instead.
- Use a mouth guard: If you grind your teeth at night, your orthodontist may recommend a mouth guard to protect your teeth and braces.
- Keep your mouth clean: Brush and floss your teeth before bed to help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Be patient: It may take some time to get used to sleeping with braces, but it will get easier over time.
If you continue to have trouble sleeping or experience severe pain or discomfort, it’s best to contact your orthodontist for advice.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is critical to be mindful of the foods you eat while wearing braces to avoid damaging them and prolonging the treatment. Foods that are hard, sticky, or sugary should be avoided because they can bend or break brackets and wires. Instead, choose soft, easy-to-chew foods like cooked vegetables, fruits (cut into small pieces), dairy products, pasta, mashed potatoes, and soups.
Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. It is also critical to maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Remember to contact your orthodontist if you have any questions about your diet or are experiencing discomfort.
