What not to eat with braces the first week?

Getting braces is an important step toward achieving a beautiful smile, but it comes with certain dietary restrictions, especially during the first week.

For those wondering what not to eat with braces during the first week, this guide explains which foods to avoid to prevent discomfort, damage to the braces, and potential setbacks in treatment.

Why diet matters with new braces

During the first week with braces, the teeth and gums are often sore as they adjust to the brackets and wires. Eating the wrong foods can increase discomfort and even damage the braces, prolonging the treatment process.

Understanding which foods to avoid helps protect the braces and ensures a smoother adjustment period.

Sticky foods to avoid

Sticky foods are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to damaging braces. Items like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities. Additionally, sticky foods can pull on the braces and loosen the wires or brackets.

Examples of sticky foods to avoid:

• Caramel candies
• Chewing gum
• Taffy and toffee
• Licorice
• Gummy candies

Hard foods to steer clear of

Hard foods can easily break or bend the wires of braces, leading to unexpected trips to the orthodontist. These foods also place extra pressure on the teeth, which can be especially uncomfortable during the first week.

Examples of hard foods to avoid:

• Nuts and seeds
• Hard candies
• Popcorn
• Ice cubes
• Raw vegetables like carrots and celery

Instead, opt for softer alternatives such as steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Crunchy snacks to skip

Crunchy snacks are a popular choice for many, but they can cause significant damage to braces. Chips, crackers, and other crunchy items can break into sharp pieces, which can get lodged between the brackets and wires, increasing discomfort and the risk of damage.

Examples of crunchy snacks to avoid:

• Potato chips
• Pretzels
• Hard taco shells
• Granola bars

Consider softer snacks like yogurt or applesauce to satisfy cravings during the first week.

Chewy foods to avoid

Chewy foods not only stick to braces but also require more effort to eat, which can increase soreness in the teeth and gums. These foods are best avoided to ensure a more comfortable adjustment period.

Examples of chewy foods to avoid:

• Bagels
• Pizza crust
• Jerky
• Chewy bread rolls

Soft bread, pancakes, or pasta are excellent alternatives that are gentle on the teeth and braces.

Sugary and acidic foods to limit

While sugary and acidic foods don’t directly damage braces, they can harm the teeth by increasing the risk of cavities and enamel erosion. With braces, it’s harder to clean the teeth thoroughly, making it important to avoid these foods.

Examples of sugary and acidic foods to avoid:

• Sodas and sugary drinks
• Candy and chocolate
• Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons
• Sports drinks

Instead, drink plenty of water and choose less sugary options like milk or herbal tea.

Hot foods and beverages to be careful with

Hot foods and drinks can soften the adhesive used to keep the brackets in place, potentially causing them to loosen. While the occasional warm meal is fine, overly hot items should be avoided.

Examples of hot foods and beverages to avoid:

• Hot soups
• Coffee and tea
• Hot chocolate
• Spicy curries

Stick to lukewarm or cool foods and beverages during the first week.

Tips for eating with braces the first week

1. Cut food into small pieces: Make eating easier by cutting food into bite-sized pieces to reduce strain on the braces.
2. Stick to soft foods: Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are gentle on the teeth and braces.
3. Chew slowly: Take time to chew carefully to avoid accidentally biting down on brackets or wires.
4. Use orthodontic wax: To reduce irritation caused by the braces, apply orthodontic wax to any areas that feel uncomfortable.

Foods to enjoy during the first week

While avoiding certain foods, there are plenty of options that are safe to eat with braces during the first week:

• Soups (at room temperature)
• Soft fruits like bananas and peaches
• Oatmeal or porridge
• Pasta and noodles
• Smoothies and milkshakes
• Soft-cooked rice

Final thoughts

For anyone wondering what not to eat with braces the first week, avoiding sticky, hard, chewy, and crunchy foods is essential to protect the braces and reduce discomfort. Sticking to soft, easy-to-eat options not only prevents damage but also helps the teeth and gums adjust more comfortably.

By following these dietary guidelines, new braces wearers can start their orthodontic journey smoothly and set themselves up for success.