Braces can be an amazing way to fix problems with your teeth. They can help straighten your teeth, fix gaps, and correct any misalignments. But the metal and wires can be damaged if you aren’t careful! It’s important to consider what you eat to avoid causing the braces harm. 

During the first week, you should try to prioritize eating:

  • Liquids
  • Protein-rich foods that can be easily chewed, such as eggs and tofu
  • Mashed vegetables
  • Anything that requires minimal chewing

What to expect after getting braces

Once your braces are installed, you may experience some discomfort or soreness in the area. Your mouth may feel tender or a little more sensitive than normal. It’s perfectly natural, so don’t worry—this is temporary and should go away over time. Your mouth just needs some time to adjust. 

To avoid any significant discomfort, your orthodontist will likely recommend over-the-counter painkillers or another way to help find relief. It’s important to follow their advice so you can have a swift, smooth recovery. If you are noticing any pain or discomfort, it is always best to consult your doctor. 

Tips for taking care of your braces

Once you have braces, you’ll need to make some minor adjustments. Your oral hygiene routine is going to change a little bit so you can accommodate the new system in your mouth! So it can help to take some time to properly:

  • Brush your teeth: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and braces gently. Pay extra attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires—they can trap small food particles if you aren’t thorough!
  • Floss: Flossing requires a bit of extra effort due to the additional materials. It can help to buy specialty floss and make sure you’re removing any food or particles trapped in the braces and between your teeth.
  • Minimize your sugar intake: Excessive sugar consumption may increase your risk of tooth decay.
  • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is always important.
  • Consider wearing a mouthguard: In high-impact activities, a mouthguard may protect the braces from damage.

And don’t forget: you’ll need to be careful with the food you eat!

What food can you eat with braces?

Once you have braces, you’ll need to make some dietary changes. With the wires, metal, and brackets in your mouth, you don’t want to damage anything! But as your mouth adjusts and you recover, your dietary options will open up.

The first week

During the first week after getting braces, you should focus on:

  • Lukewarm soups. Avoid anything too hot!
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Oatmeal

Try to prioritize anything soft and avoid anything too tough! Your mouth is still going to be sensitive while you’re recovering.

After a few weeks

After the initial recovery period, you’ll have a few more options, including:

  • Soft fruits, like bananas, sliced melons, and berries
  • Cooked vegetables. Make sure you cook them so they aren’t too crunchy!
  • Softer grains
  • Eggs and tofu

Don’t worry: you can still eat everything from the initial recovery period.

After a few months

After a few months, your options expand significantly. Along with the previous choices, you’ll be able to include:

  • Tender meats like chicken, turkey, and fish
  • Cooked beans and legumes
  • Softer breads, like tortillas, pitas, and softer rolls

What foods to avoid when you have braces

While you have braces, you’ll need to avoid some foods whenever possible. Stickier foods can get stuck between the finer parts of the braces and pull, causing damage to the system. And crunchier foods that break into tiny pieces can get trapped inside the braces.

So it’s essential to avoid:

  • Small, crunchy foods like nuts, hard pretzels, and popcorn
  • Sticky foods, like caramels, taffy, and chewing gum
  • Hard, crunchier foods like ice, hard candies, and chips
  • Tough meats like steak and jerky

This is just a general guide. Your doctor may give you some additional restrictions based on your unique situation! Above all else, it’s essential to follow their advice.

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Getting help for your teeth

If you have concerns about your teeth, braces, or oral health, visit our team of dentists at Pristine Dental in Winnipeg. We can perform a thorough examination and help design a treatment plan for you. Our team is here to support you on your journey to proper oral health, so book an appointment with us today!