There are few greater pleasures in life than eating your very favorite meal. Whether it’s a special holiday treat or a night at a beloved dinner spot, food brings us a lot of joy—and having braces shouldn’t inhibit this enjoyment! Upstate Orthodontics wants to tell you what you can eat with braces and why eating differently doesn’t have to mean eating dismally.
Your New Food Groups
We do want to begin by saying: Stay strong. You will probably be tempted to eat something that is not good for your braces, and Dr. McInnis can promise you it’s never worth doing damage.
The following categories are dynamic and flavorful, though—and can be highly customized based on your preferences!
- Soft Fruits and Veggies: Fruits like bananas, berries, and melons are good picks since they don’t require too much chewing. For vegetables, you can always soften them by cooking. Steamed or roasted options like carrots, peas, or potatoes are much kinder to your braces.
- Dairy: Yogurt, soft cheese, and milk are all great with braces—and dairy alternatives usually share the same smooth texture.
- Soft Grains and Pasta: Oatmeal, cooked pasta, and rice are all great bases for meals. They’re soft enough that they won’t put pressure on your brackets and wires.
- Tender Proteins: Scrambled eggs, ground meat, fish, or alternatives like tofu and tempeh are all fantastic choices to give your body the protein it needs. You can also use powdered supplements in smoothies or other foods.
- Stews and Soups: Having braces is great for soup lovers. When the autumn chill arrives, opt for blended soups or stews with soft bites. They are so easy to eat and can be packed with tons of nutrients.
- Desserts (Sometimes): Sugar is not good for your teeth with or without braces, but occasional treats like ice cream or pudding are fine.
Meal Ideas
You may be thinking this all sounds great, but you still can’t quite imagine recipes to make. Upstate Orthodontics has got your back! Here are a few ideas for different meal times that will be good for your braces:
- Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with sliced bananas and/or berries, with or without cinnamon.
- Scrambled eggs on whole grain toast with soft avocado slices.
- Smoothie made with berries, a bit of honey, and a yogurt base. You can also opt for a heartier peanut butter banana option with a chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- Lunch:
- Lunchtime is all about side items—fruits, applesauce, string cheese, or puffed popcorn snacks. The world is your oyster.
- Grilled cheese with tomato soup.
- Soft turkey and cheese wrap with avocado. Avoid crunchy add-ons like bacon.
- Pasta salad with cooked vegetables and a light dressing.
- Dinner:
- Baked salmon with a couple of soft sides, like mashed potatoes, green beans, peas, or steamed broccoli.
- Chicken or beef stir-fry with tender vegetables over rice.
- Meat-based or veggie chili with diced tomatoes, beans, and other soft ingredients.
- Pasta or risotto with cooked vegetables or soft proteins like shrimp.
- Snack Ideas:
- Yogurt with berries.
- Pudding or gelatin cups.
- Cheese in any form.
If you ever feel stuck coming up with new ideas, refer to online blogs and YouTube videos about eating with braces, consult with friends and family who have or have had braces, or ask Dr. McInnis for further resources.
Problematic Provisions
Remember earlier when we mentioned there are some foods you’ll need to stay away from? Let’s expand upon that a bit more:
- Crunchy Snacks: Stay away from pretzels, kettle chips, or hard crackers.
- Chewy Foods: Foods you have to gnaw on, like beef jerky, can spell bad news for your braces.
- Raw Fruits and Veggies: Raw apples or carrots can damage your braces unless they’re cut into small pieces. Even then, it might be best to avoid them.
- Sticky Foods: Anything sticky (and usually sweet) need to be cut from your diet. Taffy and caramel can get lodged in your braces and be tough to clean out, which can cause cavities.
- Sugar and More Sugar: Like we said, it’s okay to eat sugar every now and again, especially if you clean carefully afterwards. But sugar in all forms can increase the risk of cavities and plaque buildup, which can complicate your treatment.
- Acidic Drinks: Beverages like coffee and citrus juices can be consumed in moderation—but be aware of the fact that residue remains in your mouth for longer when you have braces. Again, you don’t need to eliminate these drinks completely from your diet, but you should be mindful of them!
A Tasteful Technique
We know that changing your diet in this way can feel a bit daunting, but it’s only temporary! There are so many amazing resources available these days for meal ideas with braces. You’ll get the hang of it in no time with the help of Upstate Orthodontics. Come and visit us for a free consultation in Clemson or Seneca!