Braces are nerve-racking and uncomfortable, especially if you’ve recently gotten them. They make your teeth pretty sensitive. Although you’ll adjust to them, you might not get to enjoy your favorite jerky, dried fruits, cracker, and other snacks for several days. Luckily, there are several braces-friendly snacks in the market.
If braces are in your future or your kid’s future, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve pulled together an extensive list of snacks ideal for individuals with braces. These snacks will nourish your sore mouth and provide you with some nutritional value. Let’s begin!
What Happens When You Get Braces?
Before we dive in, let’s first understand what happens to your mouth after getting braces.
After Getting Them
Contrary to what people believe, placing braces on the teeth is a pain-free process. You’ll only feel a pinch or slight pressure when your orthodontist puts the brands around your molars. The specialist will use a special glue to connect the wire and brackets. Lastly, he will secure everything with elastic bands.
However, a few hours after the procedure, expect to feel pain and soreness in your gums and teeth. Also, you might experience some pain inside your cheeks and discomfort on your tongue. The pain can last for a few days or a week. After that, you will get used to the weird feeling of braces in your mouth. During this period, you need to consume no-chew snacks to prevent inflammation of the gums.
During Adjustments
Braces apply constant pressure to your teeth during alignment, making them super sensitive. As the teeth move, the tension of the braces decreases. Therefore, your orthodontist has to regularly tighten the wires or elastic bands, increasing the tension.
You might experience pain and soreness every time you get your braces adjusted. Although over counter painkillers might ease the pain, you might not get to consume some snacks.
Can I Eat Fruit Snack with Braces?
When you get braces, some snacks are a no-go zone. But don’t get disappointed because there are several delicious and healthy fruit snacks you can still enjoy. For example, sliced seasonal fruits, such as kiwi, mango, and grapefruit, can make excellent brace-friendly fruit snacks.
You can also try seasoned banana and orange slices. Besides being healthy snack options, they’re accessible. Fruit snacks, steamed carrots, and broccoli also make good snack options. But ensure they don’t get stuck in the braces.
That said, below is a list of brace friendly snacks to consider;
Snacks To Eat with Braces
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious and protein-packed snack you can take after getting your braces. Whether it’s Greek, low-fat, flavored, or plain, yogurt will soothe your sore gums and teeth.
Furthermore, plain yogurt is rich in calcium and probiotics that protect your teeth against cavities. They also reduce the risk of gum diseases and even bad breath.
2. Smoothies
After getting braces or adjustments, chewing hard foods might prove difficult. So, you can benefit from a glass of less sugar fruits and vegetable smoothies.
Smoothies nourish the body with plenty of probiotics, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors and textures.
3. Protein shakes
Protein shakes make the ideal to-go snack for those on busy schedules. They are packed with nutrients and are gentle on gums. You might need more time to clean your teeth, but it’s not that demanding.
You can choose to take things up a notch and include carbohydrates and healthy fats to make a calorie-dense snack. This can act as the ideal meal replacement during busy days.
4. Oats and oatmeal
Most of us consider oats a breakfast food. Oats and oatmeal come packed with heart-healthy dietary fibers, including Beta Glucan. Therefore, we see no need to miss out on their nutritional value because of braces. In addition, oatmeal is warm and has this unique texture that soothes and achy mouth. Furthermore, oatmeal is very filling, which reduces the urge to eat other snacks.
Soft Snacks for Braces
During the first and second week after getting braces, you might need to consume soft snacks. Below is a list of soft snacks you should consider:
1. Soft vegetables
These snacks are perfect for anybody, anytime. Apart from satisfying your cravings, they come with numerous health benefits. According to dietitians, vegetables help to fight inflammation, boost your teeth and gums health, improve blood pressure, and enhance your immune system. Soft vegetable snacks are rich in the following nutrients:
- Minerals – Potassium
- Vitamins–A and C
- Phytochemicals
- Phytoestrogens
- Anti-inflammatory agents
There are several soft vegetable options you can choose from, such as:
- Sliced tomatoes mixed with avocado
- Cucumber slices paired with peas and roasted veggies
- Squash
- Mushrooms
But don’t limit yourself to these options alone. You can check out other interesting homemade soft vegetable snack recipes.
2. Pancake
Pancake is a family breakfast that is soft enough, making it easy for sore teeth and gums to tolerate. The best part, you can enjoy pancakes with your whole family. Get creative with your pancakes by topping them with blueberries.
3. Pasta
Another great food that is gentle on gums, and easy to eat is pasta. Pasta is an excellent source of energy since it’s packed with complex carbohydrates. It is also cheap, affordable, and easy to cook.
Other Brace Friendly Snacks
- String cheese and cheese squares don’t get stuck to the teeth. Cheese has phosphate and calcium. The two strengthen the teeth and bones. It also balances mouth PH and reduces dental caries.
- Eggs contain vitamin D, K, and phosphorous. These nutrients help with teeth health, especially the enamel. But if you are allergic to eggs, it’s probably wise to stay away from them.
- Nut spreads such as peanut butter are brace-friendly too.
Snacks To Avoid with Braces
After getting braces, there are several foods orthodontists and dentists advise against. First, you need to avoid chewy candy at all costs because it will stick to your teeth and braces. Furthermore, candy offers you no national value. Other snacks worth avoiding include:
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Crunchy vegetables and fruits
- Chips
- Pretzels
Although these snacks are delicious, they might cause you more pain and even damage the braces. Meat is not a good option too. It can stick between your teeth and brace.
Why Should You Avoid Chewy and Sticky Snacks?
Chewy, sticky, and crunchy snacks tend to stick between the brace wires or bands. If you try to pick at your braces to remove the stuck snacks, you can loosen the braces and even injure your mouth.
Other Foods to Avoid
Apart from the sticky, hard, and chewy snacks, it is best to take extra care with foods that you have to bite into. For example, if you have kids with braces, take extra caution when feeding them raw apples, carrots, corn on the cob, and bone meat.
Another category of foods that you should take in moderation include sugary snacks. The braces and wires create more area for the plague to hide, increasing the risk of tooth decay. The same applies to other soft drinks, such as soda.
Can You Eat Chips with Braces?
Chips lovers can still enjoy their favorite chips even after getting braces. However, select baked chips instead of the usual fried chips. Baked chips have a softer texture and are less crunchy. Other snacks worth trying, include:
- Baked chips
- Cheese puffs
- Pringles
- Veggie sticks
- Carrot chips
- Sweet potato fries
- Kale chips
The softer the texture, the better. Another important tip, eat one chip at a time, rather than a handful at once.
On that note, avoid crunchy chips, hard bread, and pizza crust. These snacks are a bit stiffer and might create pressure on the braces. This can cause damage to your gums and teeth. Common chips to avoid, include:
- Most fried potato chips
- Cheetos
- Tortilla chips
- Cheez-its
- Kettle-cooked chips
Final Thoughts
You might need to change your eating habits after getting braces. Braces make your gum painful and your teeth sensitive. During this time, it’s wise to eat soft and healthy snacks that pose no threat to your teeth and gums.
We hope you’ve found our comprehensive list of brace-friendly snacks helpful. And before we go, don’t forget to brush your teeth and floss them regularly. Also, don’t forget to visit your orthodontist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Thank you for stopping by and best of luck!
FAQs
What Are the Best Snacks for People with Braces?
After getting your braces, you might feel some soreness and pain in your mouth. This means you need to avoid your favorite hard, chewy, and crunchy snacks. Try the following snacks:
- Yogurt
- Soft Vegetables
- Sliced fruits
- Smoothies
- Protein Shakes
Do Braces Hurt?
During installation, you will feel no pain. But after a few hours, your gum and mouth will feel painful. The pain will persist for a few days, but sometimes it can last for a week or two. After that, you’ll get used to them.
How Do You Maintain Your Braces?
Besides avoiding foods that can get stuck between the braces, observe good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently and regularly. You’ll also need to visit your orthodontist to get an adjustment every 8weeks.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Your Braces?
It depends on the nature of your teeth’ misalignment. Also, certain behaviors can affect the duration. It is best to follow the orthodontist’s advice and observe good eating habits.