Getting braces can be an exciting milestone, but the first week brings significant dietary adjustments. As your mouth acclimates to braces, certain foods become off-limits and yu might feel like "my teeth feel weird". Understanding these braces-friendly choices simplifies navigating initial discomfort. This guide outlines the best and worst foods for the first week with braces.
Why the First Week Matters
How long it takes to get braces? Well, 90-120 minutes. But the process doesn’t stop there. You need to follow an aftercare.
Immediately after getting braces, tension from archwires pressing on teeth often causes general soreness—especially when chewing firmer items. The surrounding lips, cheeks, and gums may feel raw from fresh braces brackets.
Additionally, certain foods during this period are more likely to damage “new” braces. Sticky, crunchy, or excessively hard items can bend wires, loosen cement bonds, and even pop off entire brackets, requiring repair. Not only does this lengthen treatment, but orthodontic injuries usually worsen pain.
Choosing softer nutritional foods and modifying bite-sized portions in week one allows your mouth to heal while avoiding costly brace repairs. As tissues strengthen, a wider assortment of healthy foods can be included.
Recommended Foods and Tips for Week One
1. Smoothies
Blending softer fruits, yogurt, milk, juices, and even healthy oils make protein-rich smoothies that slide easily down the throat. What to eat with braces the first week? Smoothies check all the boxes. The cold temperature is also soothing. Drop in a straw to avoid direct contact with the braces.
2. Scrambled eggs
Protein-packed scrambled eggs served soft or almost wet provides excellent nutrition without excessive jaw pressure during chewing. As long as cuts are small, adding soft vegetables like spinach keeps eggs healthy.
3. Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
Whipped or sweet potatoes are smooth, nutritious comfort foods perfect for the first week of braces. Mix in butter, milk and soft veggies for added nutrition. Just beware of getting mashed remnants stuck in braces.
4. Creamy soup
Brothy soups provide hydration, minerals and warmth but can lack calories and nutrients. For a heartier, braces-safe meal, puréed vegetable soups or chowders like butternut squash supply a creamy texture with body-friendly ingredients.
5. Hummus and other bean dips
The fiber and protein in chickpea hummus or soft bean dips offer great nutritional perks. A dollop on soft bread or used as a sauce helps items slide cleanly off utensils without pulling at braces. Other veggie-based dips like baba ganoush can work too.
Food and Drinks to Avoid
1. Hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky foods
First-week no-nos include nuts, seeds, chips, nuts, bagels, dried fruits, granola, popcorn, raw veggies/salads, tough meats, chewing gum, caramel, taffy—anything that could dislodge braces.
2. Hard candies or ice
In addition to sugar concerns, hard candies and ice rub and tug at brackets. Ice pops or Italian ice made from fruit juices offer similar coolness more safely.
3. Excessively hot foods or liquids
Temperature extremes irritate adjusting oral tissues—especially the hotter foods. Warm (not piping hot) soups provide comfort without scalding sensitive mouths.
Visit DentistDiary.com for more food tips for smooth braces progress from start to finish.