The first 24 to 48 hours after getting braces can be challenging as your mouth adjusts to the new orthodontic hardware. Teeth will feel pressure and tenderness because the wires are actively initiating tooth movement. Navigating the first day requires a temporary change in diet to prevent pain and avoid damage to the brackets and wires while your mouth is most sensitive.
The Immediate Soft-Food Menu
The primary goal for your first meals is to consume items that require little to no chewing to minimize pressure on your sensitive teeth. Liquids and purees provide the safest option, including nutrient-dense choices like homemade smoothies, protein shakes, and clear or cream-based broths and soups.
Dairy products offer a soothing, cool texture that can temporarily numb the mouth and relieve soreness. Plain yogurt, soft pudding, and milk-based custard are excellent choices, but avoid any with crunchy additions like granola or nuts. Scrambled eggs, cooked until very soft, are a great source of protein that requires minimal chewing effort.
For a more substantial meal, focus on starches that have been cooked until exceptionally tender. Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, soft-cooked rice, and well-boiled pasta like macaroni and cheese are safe options. Ensure these foods are served lukewarm or cool, as extreme temperatures can intensify the sensitivity of the teeth and gums during this adjustment period.
Foods That Must Be Avoided
Dietary restrictions during the first day are designed to protect the newly bonded brackets and the delicate archwires from mechanical stress. Hard and crunchy foods pose the greatest risk, as the force required to bite or chew them can snap the adhesive bond holding a bracket to the tooth surface. This includes items such as nuts, ice cubes, hard candies, and popcorn kernels.
Sticky and chewy foods must also be strictly avoided because they can wrap around the brackets and wires, physically pulling them away from the teeth or bending the hardware. Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and certain dried fruits can create a strong residue that is difficult to remove. Foods like whole apples, raw carrots, and corn on the cob exert a shearing force that can dislodge brackets.
Adjusting Eating Habits and Managing Pain
Beyond choosing the right foods, modifying the way you eat can significantly reduce discomfort and protect your braces. It is helpful to cut all food into very small, bite-sized pieces before it enters your mouth, even the softest items. Any food that requires you to bite directly into it using your front teeth should be cut into small, manageable pieces before eating. This technique allows you to bypass the front teeth and move the food directly to the back molars for gentle chewing.
Chewing should be done slowly and deliberately, focusing on a light grinding motion rather than forceful biting. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, about 30 minutes before a meal can help make the process of eating more comfortable.
Managing Discomfort
If a bracket or wire causes irritation by rubbing against the inside of your cheek or lip, apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the appliance to create a smooth barrier. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can also help soothe irritated soft tissues. Cold liquids, such as a glass of ice water, can provide temporary numbness to the teeth, offering a brief respite from the pressure sensation.