When braces are first applied or adjusted, temporary soreness and tooth sensitivity are common. This discomfort is a physiological response to the controlled force applied by the archwires, which moves the teeth into their correct positions. The tenderness often peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours, making eating a challenge. Adapting the diet is a practical step to manage this temporary discomfort and protect the delicate orthodontic hardware.
Soft and Soothing Foods
The primary dietary goal during initial soreness is to consume items requiring minimal chewing and that are non-abrasive to sensitive tissues. Cold or cool foods are recommended because the lower temperature can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Smoothies and milkshakes are excellent choices, allowing for the incorporation of nutritious ingredients like soft fruits, yogurt, and protein powder without chewing.
Dairy products offer necessary calcium for bone health and a soothing, soft texture. Options like plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and pudding are gentle on the teeth and gums. Greek yogurt is particularly beneficial as it provides an extra boost of protein, which supports tissue repair.
For more substantial meals, cooked grains and starches are easily tolerated. Mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, and soft rice, such as risotto, provide energy without stressing the teeth. Hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat are also suitable, provided they cool to a comfortable temperature before eating.
Protein intake can be maintained with tender, flaking fish like salmon or cod, which is easily consumed without significant chewing. Scrambled eggs or omelets are excellent sources of protein that require very little pressure to break down. For vegetables, focus should be on cooking them until they are very tender; pureed soups or baked sweet potatoes provide necessary vitamins and fiber.
Foods and Textures to Strictly Avoid
Certain foods must be avoided throughout orthodontic treatment because they risk damaging the brackets, wires, or bands. Hard and crunchy items exert excessive force, potentially causing a bracket to detach or bending the archwires. This category includes:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Crunchy raw vegetables like carrots
Sticky and chewy foods pose a serious threat to the orthodontic hardware. Items such as caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and gummy candies adhere strongly to the braces. Attempting to pull these substances away can dislodge brackets or bend wires, potentially extending the treatment time.
Some foods and beverages should be limited due to the risk they pose to the underlying tooth structure. Highly acidic or sugary items, like carbonated sodas, sports drinks, and hard candies, increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Since braces create small areas difficult to clean, the presence of sugar and acid can lead to permanent white stains once brackets are removed.
Naturally hard items like whole apples or bagels must be avoided because they require biting with the front teeth, which are often the most sensitive. Any food requiring tearing or significant force should be prepared differently, such as cutting fruits into small pieces or cooking meats until extremely tender.
Practical Eating Strategies and Pain Management
Employing specific eating techniques can significantly reduce discomfort after an adjustment. Cutting all food into small, manageable pieces minimizes the amount of chewing required. This strategy reduces the overall strain on the teeth and the braces, which is particularly helpful when the teeth are sensitive to pressure.
When chewing is necessary, do it slowly and mindfully, utilizing the back molars as much as possible. Molars are stronger and less affected by initial movement than front teeth, making them better equipped to break down food gently. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day can also soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation.
The peak soreness typically lasts between three and five days following the placement or tightening of the braces. During this time, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage the inflammation and discomfort, especially if taken shortly before a meal. Patients can generally expect to return to a more varied, though still braces-safe, diet once the acute tenderness subsides after the first few days.