Thinking about the day you get braces can cause some apprehension. Just one of the things you may be concerned about is exactly what to eat just after having your braces put on.
Getting your braces can cause some discomfort, especially that very first day or two. Having a plan can make your first 24 hours a lot more comfortable.
What to Expect on Day One
Most patients notice some soreness or pressure within a few hours of getting braces placed. This happens because your teeth and the surrounding tissues are beginning to respond to the new forces being applied. It is completely normal.
The discomfort typically peaks within the first one to two days and then gradually fades. Until then, your mouth will feel more sensitive than usual, and chewing may be uncomfortable. Choosing the right foods during this window makes a real difference.
Braces and Food Choices
While you have braces, certain foods will be off-limits for the duration. This will include extremely sticky or hard foods, especially ones you bite directly into.
While these are obviously off-limits from day one, the first couple of days with braces (when your teeth are sore), you should be extra careful about what you eat. Not just for your comfort, but also because you are not used to the feeling of braces, so moving your mouth and chewing your food will feel a bit different until you get used to them.
Foods That Work Well on Day One
Stick to soft, easy-to-eat options that require little to no chewing. Here are some examples of good options for your first day:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies or milkshakes
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Soft pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
- Polenta or risotto
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Soft fruits
- Avocado
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Ice cream, frozen yogurt, or water ice
What to Avoid Right Away
For at least the first day or two, stay away from anything that puts pressure on your teeth or poses a risk to your brackets or wires or can cause extra pressure or soreness.
- Hard foods such as raw carrots, apples, crusty bread, or chips
- Crunchy snacks like crackers, pretzels, or popcorn
- Chewy foods such as bagels, tough meats, or gummy candies
Avoid the following for the entirety of your treatment with braces:
- Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum
- Anything you have to bite into with your front teeth, like corn on the cob or a whole apple
These foods can cause pain when your teeth are already sensitive, and they can damage brackets or wires before your treatment even gets started.
Managing Soreness
The discomfort you feel on day one is temporary and manageable. Over-the-counter pain relievers, taken as directed, can help take the edge off. Cold foods and drinks may also provide some relief by reducing inflammation around the teeth.
Rinsing with warm salt water a few times throughout the day can help soothe any irritation to the soft tissue inside your mouth. If a bracket or wire feels sharp against your cheek, orthodontic wax can be placed over it for comfort. Most patients feel significantly better within two to three days. After that, eating becomes much more comfortable.
If you are experiencing unusual or prolonged discomfort, are unsure about whether a specific food is safe to eat, or have concerns about your brackets or wires, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you at every step of the process and want your treatment to go as smoothly as possible, from day 1 through to the day your braces are removed, and beyond!
