So, you’ve just had your braces fitted (or are planning to). Congratulations on starting your journey toward a healthier, straighter smile! But now you’re probably wondering: what to eat with braces the first week without causing pain or damaging your new hardware?
The first week of wearing braces is a crucial adjustment period. Your mouth is adapting, your teeth are sore, and honestly, chewing can feel like a challenge. Here’s a guide showing exactly what to eat with braces, what to avoid, and how to support your smile during those sensitive first few days.
Why the First Week Matters
Just like the first week of a baby’s life is critical for bonding, growth, and development, the first few days with braces are key to setting the tone for your entire orthodontic treatment. When you’re adjusting to braces, you’re learning to live with a new device in your mouth and how to eat, clean, and care for your teeth all over again.
It’s best to focus on soft foods, avoid sticky or hard foods, and support the healing of your mouth.
Soft Foods: What to Eat with Braces the First Week
Your teeth adjust during the first few days and may be sore, especially around the front teeth, which are more sensitive to pressure. Choosing soft foods that don’t require much chewing is essential. Here’s a practical list of tasty, dentist-approved options:
Breakfast Ideas
- Scrambled eggs – Soft, high in protein, and easy on your teeth
- Greek yogurt – Cool, creamy, and gut-friendly
- Mashed bananas – Natural sweetness and no chewing needed
- Oatmeal – Choose smooth over chunky for easier eating
Lunch and Dinner Options
- Mashed potatoes – A braces classic; rich, filling, and easy to customize
- Soft steamed vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, and pumpkin are great
- Tender pasta – Think penne or macaroni with soft sauces (avoid crunchy toppings)
- Soup – Pumpkin, chicken, or lentil soups are soothing and nutritious
Snacks and Sweets
- Soft fruits like ripe bananas, avocados, or applesauce
- Cheese slices or cheese sticks
- Custard or pudding
- Smoothies – Great way to sneak in nutrients
Pro Tip:
Chill your foods! Cool temps help reduce inflammation and numb sore teeth, according to Colgate. Just avoid frozen items that are hard to bite.
What Not to Eat with Braces the First Week (Avoid These Pitfalls)
Your first week is not the time to test the strength of your braces. Eating the wrong things can lead to dislodged brackets, food particles stuck in crevices, or even a trip back to the orthodontist.
Here’s a handy “No-Go” list:
Hard Foods
- Raw carrots
- Whole apples
- Corn chips
- Crusty bread or hard rolls
- Pizza crust
These can strain your front teeth and damage your brackets.
Sticky Foods
- Caramel
- Chewing gum
- Toffee
- Dried fruits
Sticky foods can pull on wires or create plaque buildup, increasing your risk of cavities.
Bite-sized pieces (that require front-teeth biting)
Even seemingly soft foods can be risky if not prepared correctly. Always cut everything into bite-sized pieces and chew with your back teeth.
The Role of Good Oral Hygiene and Food Debris Control
When wearing braces, cleaning your teeth becomes a little more involved. Foods like spinach, meat strands, and bread crumbs can get caught easily. This food debris can irritate gums and lead to decay.
Brush and floss after every meal using an orthodontic toothbrush and floss threader. Also, rinse with water to remove loose particles immediately after eating.
What to Expect: The First Few Weeks After Braces
As the first week rolls into the first few weeks, you’ll start noticing your mouth adjusting. Sore teeth subside, and chewing gets easier. That’s your cue to gradually reintroduce firmer foods, but always with caution.
You can begin trying:
- Tender chicken
- Soft bread (no crusty edges)
- Cooked rice
- Omelettes
- Well-cooked noodles
Still, skip the sticky, crunchy, or hard snacks. Your patience now pays off in straighter teeth later.
Baby Steps, Just Like Bringing a Baby Home
We often liken it to bringing a baby home. You don’t rush anything. You adjust the environment, monitor their needs, and support baby’s development. Similarly, your teeth, gums, and mouth need nurturing care in their early “newborn” phase of orthodontic treatment.
Every choice you make (what to eat, how you clean your teeth, even how you chew) affects the success of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can’t I eat with braces the first week?
Avoid sticky foods, hard foods, and anything that requires aggressive biting like crusty bread, whole apples, and popcorn. These can damage the braces and set you back in your treatment.
Can you eat McDonald’s fries with braces?
Yes, but only in moderation. They’re soft enough, but the salt and oil can irritate gums. Rinse and brush afterward to prevent food particles from sticking.
What is best to eat with braces?
Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soft fruits like bananas or avocado are ideal, especially during the first week.
How long will my teeth be sore after getting braces?
Usually 3 to 5 days. Cold soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief can help. If pain persists beyond a week, see your orthodontist.
Is it normal to lose weight after getting braces?
Yes, slight weight loss can happen during the first few weeks due to eating less or more slowly. Focus on nutritious, calorie-rich soft foods to stay healthy.Ready to conquer your braces journey or start with the procedure of fixing yours? The team at Alpha Dental and Implant Centre is here to support you every step of the way, from shiny new braces to a beautifully aligned smile. Book a visit or ask a question.
