What can you eat the first day of braces?
If you’ve just had braces fitted, you might be wondering what you can eat to ensure your comfort and promote healing. The first day after getting braces can be challenging, as your mouth may be sore and sensitive. In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of foods that are gentle on your braces and won’t cause discomfort or damage.
Soft Foods
The best foods to eat on the first day of braces are soft foods that require minimal chewing. This will help alleviate any soreness in your mouth and allow your teeth and gums to adjust to the new braces. Here are some soft food options:
1. Pasta: Cooked until tender, pasta is a great option as it’s easy to eat and requires minimal chewing.
2. Rice: Whether it’s white, brown, or wild rice, it’s a soft and soothing option for your braces.
3. Soup: Warm, broth-based soups are perfect for the first day of braces. Avoid chunky soups with pieces of vegetables or meat.
4. Mashed Potatoes: These are easy to eat and provide a nutritious meal without causing discomfort.
5. Applesauce: It’s a sweet and soft alternative to apples, which can be hard to eat with braces.
6. Bananas: These fruits are naturally soft and can be easily eaten without causing pain.
7. Oatmeal: Cooked until it’s soft, oatmeal is a nutritious and soothing option for your braces.
Drinks
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential after getting braces. Here are some drink options that are gentle on your braces:
1. Water: Stay hydrated with plain water throughout the day.
2. Milk: A glass of milk is a good source of calcium and protein, making it a nutritious choice.
3. Juices: Choose smooth, non-carbonated juices without seeds or pulp.
4. Broth: Warm broth can be soothing and help with digestion.
What to Avoid
While there are many foods you can eat on the first day of braces, there are also some you should avoid to prevent discomfort and damage to your braces:
1. Hard Foods: Avoid hard foods like nuts, carrots, and ice, as they can cause pain and damage to your braces.
2. Chewy Foods: Foods like bagels, pizza crust, and licorice can get stuck in your braces and cause discomfort.
3. Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, and celery can scratch your braces or cause pain.
4. Fibrous Foods: Foods like celery and carrots can be difficult to chew and may get caught in your braces.
Conclusion
The first day of braces can be a bit daunting, but by focusing on soft foods and drinks, you can ensure your comfort and promote healing. Remember to avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, and fibrous foods to prevent discomfort and damage to your braces. As your mouth adjusts to the new braces, you’ll be able to gradually introduce more textures to your diet. Enjoy your first day with braces, and don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist if you have any concerns.
