Some food choices are not recommended for braces, and some are the best foods to eat with braces. Most carbs are not suitable, so stay away from them. These include baked potatoes, Asian noodles, pasta, soft bread, and oatmeal.
When you have braces, you may be wondering what you can eat. While there are some restrictions, you should avoid foods that can damage your braces.
What are the best foods to eat with braces?
Here are six braces-friendly foods for a good start.
- Mashed potatoes
- Pancakes
- Soups and smoothies
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft vegetables
Mashed potatoes
You can eat mashed potatoes and other soft foods, but you shouldn’t consume fried foods. Instead, eat soft bread or couscous and top it with sour cream or salsa.
You can also omit sweets. These are high in sugar and have minimal nutritional value. In addition, sugar makes your body release endorphins, which can raise your mood and reduce your pain.
Pancakes
Pancakes are an excellent choice if you want to avoid damaging your braces. These are a delicious way to satisfy your craving for something sweet without causing problems.
However, be sure to use sugar-free syrup and other healthy toppings since these can easily damage your braces.
Soups and smoothies
Soups and smoothies are the best foods to eat with braces, as it’s comforting, low-calorie, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These acids fight inflammation and reduce redness, warmth, and pain.
They’re also good for your overall health, so chicken soup is a great choice. It can also be made into smoothies using kale, spinach, carrots, and coconut or almond milk. You can also add frozen fruit, like pineapple or mango.
Yogurt
While you should limit the amount of sugar you consume while wearing braces, yogurts are the best foods to eat with braces. It contains calcium protein and probiotics, keeping harmful bacteria from settling in your mouth. You can eat plain yogurt with honey or granola.
It is high in calcium and protein and contains beneficial bacteria, which help remove harmful bacteria from your gums. You should remember to brush your teeth after eating plain yogurt, as the sugar in it can damage your teeth.
Scrambled eggs
If you’re looking for a more substantial breakfast, opt for scrambled eggs. The eggs are soft enough to bite but don’t worry about unfastening brackets or popping wires.
You can also pair them with vegetables and mashed potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also add a little bit of salt or pepper to enhance the taste of your meal. You can try the soup with chicken, broccoli, or fish for a low-cost dinner.
If you’re looking for an easy, quick way to eat breakfast while wearing braces, scrambled eggs are one of the best foods to eat with braces. While it is not a great idea to eat raw eggs with braces, these foods are still full of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Soft vegetables
If you’re still concerned about your taste, you can also try eating soups that are rich in vegetables.
Vegetable chili is an excellent option as the best food to eat with braces for the first few days of wearing braces.
Also Read: 7 Good fruits to eat while pregnant
What can you eat in the first week of braces?
Eating soft fruits and yogurt with a little bit of cinnamon and mashed pear can make the first week go by quickly.
If you’re worried about the braces, try honeydew or cantaloupe – both are semi-frozen and provide a numbing effect. Many fruits are perfect for those with new braces, as they are at their peak sweetness.
These fruits are low in calories and sodium, and they are also packed with vitamins. While most people don’t think about the health benefits of eating fruit, you’re ensuring your braces stay healthy.
Oatmeal is another excellent choice. Eggs are a protein-packed wonder, and they are also agreeable for braces. You can make these muffins in advance and take them with you wherever you go.
What junk food can I eat with braces?
You can eat most junk foods, but you should avoid them if they are spicy, complex, and sticky. Try chocolates and soft snacks such as peanut butter cups for sweet treats.
The best snacks to eat with braces are soft, smooth, and sugar-free. Avoid nuts and hard candies, as they can damage the brackets. Instead, opt for peanut butter or almond butter, easily digestible.
Try cereals with a single serving size, which are great for snacking on while wearing braces. You can also opt for soft potato chips, which are not bad for your teeth.
What can’t you eat with braces?
- Ice cream
- Fruit roll-up snacks
- Sticky foods
- Spicy foods
- Hard candy
- Sweets
Can I eat meat with braces?
Whether you have braces or not, you can enjoy meat every now and then. However, you should make sure that the meat you choose is lean and not too stringy. You also need to make sure that you remove the bones from the meat before you eat it.
You should also be wary of eating tough cuts of beef, pork, and chicken because they can become stuck in your braces. You can cut the bones out of the meat before eating it, but it is not recommended.
Also Read: Healthy foods for a balanced diet
Meat is a safe choice if you’re wearing braces. Generally, soft meats like ham and turkey are safe to eat with braces. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about them sticking to the wires in your teeth.
Alternatively, you can also opt for poultry instead of steak. Poultry is more tender and less chewy than other meats. It is also better to cut the pieces of poultry before eating it.
My Final Thoughts
A good diet with braces involves avoiding spicy foods and sugary sweets. Instead, try to avoid these items and go for the best foods to eat with braces discussed above. You may need to stick with soft foods like soup and ice cream.
Even if you don’t like the taste of peanut butter, it’s good for your teeth and gums. Aside from soup, other good options for a healthy meal include yogurt, eggs, and seafood.
