New braces can be tough to get used to. Braces are a big adjustment, but eating foods that are gentle on your mouth can help. Here are some ideas for what to eat during your first week with braces.

Breakfast

When you’re planning what to eat during your first week with braces, plan with comfort and easy preparation in mind. For breakfast, we suggest smoothies for a sweet treat that packs a ton of nutrients, yet doesn’t require any chewing. Eggs are another great and tasty soft-foods option. Cereal can also be a quick first meal of the day, just make sure to let the cereal soak a bit so it’s soft enough for your tender mouth.

Lunch

There are a lot of great soft-foods options for lunch, as well. Fish can be a good alternative to harder-to-chew meats, while still offering lots of protein. Deli meats, hummus, refried beans, yogurt, or cottage cheese with fruit are other ideas that will be nourishing and gentle on your mouth.

Dinner

For dinner, soup with rice, noodles, or soup-soaked bread can be a good and easy go-to. Fish, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or tofu are all good options for your dinner entree. Well-cooked pasta dishes can also be nice and gentle while providing lots of variety of sauces and toppings to choose from.

Making the First Week Easier

The toughest part of having braces is often the first week or two while your mouth gets used to the feel of them. Knowing what to eat during your first week with braces can help a lot. But if you’re still struggling to get used to your new braces, don’t be afraid to call and ask for help! For extra tender spots, your orthodontist might provide some protective dental wax to cover the bracket or wire of your new braces or a mild numbing gel to give your mouth a chance to adjust. Your orthodontist has successfully walked many patients through their first week with braces and is there to help you each step of the way.

Call our Woodward Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.