You live in a delivery app society, where nearly any food or drink can be delivered to your location practically round the clock. But while it’s nice to have food options on the fly, when it comes to your new braces, some advanced meal planning can make the first week a lot easier.
Here are a few tips for preparing your diet for the initial days of orthodontic treatment, so you’re never left struggling to find foods that won’t hurt your mouth and can be easily chewed while you’re still getting adjusted!
The Adjustment Period
When you first get braces you will likely experience a brief adjustment period as your teeth get used to being pulled into their desired direction. This can cause some pain and sensitivity that can make eating difficult. Thankfully, this period only lasts about a week. It typically peaks between days two and four and then becomes a lot more manageable moving forward.
Foods to Enjoy
During the adjustment period, it’s a good idea to have plenty of food on hand that won’t make discomfort worse. Here are a few suggestions for nutritious foods that will be easy to chew and even soothing to your mouth:
- Dairy products like yogurt, ice cream, and pudding
- Smoothies
- Pureed soup or chili
- Pasta
- Meatballs or meatloaf
- Steamed fish or chicken
- Soft, cooked vegetables like green beans, carrots, and zucchini
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Rice or quinoa
- Soft breads like tortillas or anything without a crust
- Canned fruit, bananas, or applesauce
You can still have your favorite beverages (no need to abandon that coffee frappe!) but make sure if you do order a drink that it’s smooth, as you may not be comfortable chewing things like tapioca or chocolate shavings just yet.
Prepare in Advance
Now that you know the types of foods to purchase, see how much you can prepare in advance of your braces. This way, when you’re hungry and your mouth isn’t feeling its best, you won’t have to get out a bunch of ingredients and cook.
Furthermore, pack up any snacks you might want to eat during the week too. This will make it easier to prepare in advance for work or school, so you don’t waste your lunch break brainstorming where you can find soft foods that won’t make your teeth ache!
Important Reminders
Remember, it is normal to experience temporary sensitivity in your teeth for the first week or so with braces. If you are still not feeling any better after your first check in, speak to your dentist about your concerns. In the meantime, meal preparation with a variety of soft foods will make the transition to braces wearer a lot easier and more comfortable.
If you have any lingering discomfort, you can also try an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil, and if you have any wires poking your cheek, apply some dental wax and call your dentist. Often, these wires can be trimmed if they are too long.
About Dr. Rottman
A skilled dentist since 2011, Dr. Travis Rottman has earned Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists. He is proud to offer patients a variety of oral health treatments that will improve their overall health and well-being as well as their beautiful smiles!
If you are struggling with a bad bite, crowding, or crooked teeth, let Dr. Rottman and the team at Sachse Family Dentistry show you how orthodontic treatment can help. To schedule a consultation for braces, please visit our website or call us today at 972-848-0073.