Navigating Your Diet with Braces
Starting your orthodontic journey with braces is exciting—but it also means making smart choices about what you eat. Certain foods can damage brackets and wires or cause unnecessary discomfort, especially in the early stages. At MacKenzie Orthodontics in Saint John, we guide our patients in making braces-friendly dietary choices that support a smooth and successful treatment process.
Best Foods to Eat with Braces
In the first week after getting braces or following adjustments, soft, gentle foods are your best friends. Items like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt offer nourishment without causing irritation. Warm soups and steamed vegetables also make excellent meal choices. These foods are easy to chew and reduce strain on newly adjusted teeth, helping ease soreness while still supporting proper nutrition.
Everyday Braces-Friendly Options
Maintaining a balanced diet while wearing braces is absolutely possible with a few tweaks. For protein, soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, and tofu are great choices. For carbs, stick to items like rice, soft bread, and pancakes. Fruits like bananas and melons, along with soft dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese, round out a healthy, braces-safe meal plan. These foods not only support your health but also reduce the risk of orthodontic emergencies.
Foods to Avoid During Treatment
Some foods are best left off the menu while you have braces. Sticky candies, chewing gum, and caramel can cling to brackets, while hard foods like nuts, pretzels, and raw vegetables can break wires. Crunchy snacks, chewy bagels, and foods that require biting into (like whole apples or corn on the cob) also pose a risk. Avoiding these items can prevent delays in treatment and reduce damage-related discomfort by up to 70%.
Tips for Eating with Braces and Special Situations
Cutting food into small bites, chewing with your back teeth, and drinking plenty of water are simple but effective tips for eating comfortably with braces. After adjustments, stick to soft, cool foods like applesauce or ice cream to ease tenderness. Whether you’re eating out, packing lunch for school, or attending a party, plan ahead with soft, safe food choices. The team at MacKenzie Orthodontics is always here to support you with expert advice and care throughout your braces journey.