Best Foods to Eat When Your Braces Hurt

 

Getting braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful, aligned smile, but it often comes with its fair share of discomfort and pain, especially after initial placement or adjustments. One of the biggest challenges during this time is figuring out what to eat. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can worsen the pain and even damage the braces. Fortunately, there are plenty of braces-friendly foods that are gentle on your teeth and gums while still providing the essential nutrients you need.

In this guide, we'll explore the best foods to eat when your braces hurt, ensuring you stay nourished and comfortable throughout your orthodontic journey.

Why Do Braces Hurt When Eating?

Before diving into the best foods, it’s essential to understand why eating with braces can be painful. Braces work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions. This pressure can make your teeth and gums sore, especially after the braces are first put on or following an adjustment.

Additionally, the brackets and wires can rub against the soft tissues of your mouth, causing irritation and even small sores. The discomfort can make chewing difficult, leading many to seek out softer, easier-to-eat foods.

Characteristics of Braces-Friendly Foods

When dealing with braces pain, it’s crucial to select foods that are:

• Soft and Easy to Chew: Minimize pressure on sensitive teeth and gums.
• Non-Sticky: Prevent food from getting trapped in brackets and wires.
• Nutrient-Rich: Provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and healing.
• Easy to Digest: Since chewing can be uncomfortable, easily digestible foods are more suitable.

Top 10 Best Foods to Eat When Your Braces Hurt

Here are some braces-friendly foods that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums while providing essential nutrition:

1. Smoothies and Milkshakes

Smoothies and milkshakes are excellent choices when your mouth is sore because they require no chewing at all. They’re also incredibly versatile, allowing you to pack in various nutrients by adding fruits, vegetables, and even protein powders.

Tips for Smoothies:

• Use soft fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes.
• Add Greek yogurt or milk for creaminess and protein.
• Consider adding leafy greens like spinach for a nutrient boost.
• Avoid seeds that can get stuck in braces by straining the smoothie if necessary.
• Drink through a straw to minimize contact with sore areas.

2. Yogurt and Pudding

Yogurt and pudding are soft, creamy, and easy to swallow, making them ideal for sensitive mouths. They are also rich in calcium and probiotics, promoting healthy teeth and gums.

Recommended Choices:

• Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
• Fruit-flavored yogurt (without chunks) for variety.
• Homemade pudding with natural sweeteners for a healthier option.

These foods are not only easy on sore teeth but also provide essential nutrients that support oral health.

3. Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes are warm, soft, and comforting. They require no chewing and can be flavored to your liking.

Tips for Preparation:

• Mash thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
• Add milk, butter, or cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Sweet potatoes provide more vitamins and fiber compared to regular potatoes.

You can also get creative by adding finely blended vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrients.

4. Soups and Broths

Warm soups and broths are soothing and easy to eat when your braces hurt. They also provide hydration and essential nutrients.

Best Soup Choices:

• Creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash, or pumpkin.
• Pureed vegetable soups for added vitamins.
• Broth-based soups without large chunks of meat or vegetables.

Pro Tip: Allow the soup to cool to a lukewarm temperature to avoid irritating sensitive gums.

You can also blend homemade soups to make them smoother and easier to consume.

5. Scrambled Eggs and Omelets

Eggs are soft, high in protein, and easy to chew, making them a great choice for breakfast or any meal. Scrambled eggs and omelets are particularly gentle on sore teeth.

Ideas for Preparation:

• Add cheese or soft vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
• Cook until fluffy and avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
• Serve with soft avocado slices for added nutrition.

Eggs are also rich in essential nutrients like protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins, making them a powerhouse food during braces treatment.

6. Applesauce and Mashed Fruits

Applesauce and mashed fruits are nutritious and gentle on the teeth. They provide natural sugars for energy and are rich in vitamins and fiber.

Recommended Options:

• Unsweetened applesauce to avoid added sugars.
• Mashed bananas, which are rich in potassium and easy to digest.
• Pureed fruits like peaches or pears for variety.

If you’re craving fruit but find it too painful to chew, blending it into a sauce or puree is a perfect solution.

7. Oatmeal and Porridge

Oatmeal and porridge are warm, soft, and filling. They can be customized with different flavors and toppings while remaining gentle on the mouth.

How to Prepare:

• Use finely ground oats for a smoother texture.
• Add milk or yogurt for creaminess.
• Flavor with cinnamon, honey, or mashed fruits for natural sweetness.
• Avoid nuts or hard toppings that can be difficult to chew.

Oatmeal is also rich in fiber, which helps keep you full and energized throughout the day.

8. Pasta and Noodles

Well-cooked pasta and noodles are soft and easy to eat. They can be paired with smooth sauces for added flavor.

Best Types of Pasta:

• Macaroni and cheese for a creamy, comforting meal.
• Spaghetti or ramen noodles that are easy to slurp.
• Avoid al dente pasta, as it may require more chewing.

Choose soft, sauce-covered pasta dishes to make chewing easier and more comfortable.

9. Soft Fish and Tofu

Soft fish like salmon or cod and tofu are excellent sources of protein that are easy to chew and digest.

Preparation Tips:

• Bake or steam the fish to maintain a soft texture.
• Use mild seasonings to avoid irritating sensitive gums.
• Tofu can be blended into smoothies or eaten as a soft, protein-rich snack.

Both fish and tofu are rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting overall health during orthodontic treatment.

10. Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt

While not the healthiest option, ice cream and frozen yogurt provide cold relief to numb pain and reduce inflammation. They also serve as a comforting treat when you're feeling sore.

Choosing Wisely:

• Opt for soft-serve versions without crunchy mix-ins.
• Choose plain or fruit-flavored options without nuts or hard candies.
• Consider frozen yogurt for a slightly healthier alternative.

Cold treats are a great way to soothe irritation and provide temporary pain relief.

Also Read:

• Understanding Braces Pain: Why Does It Happen?

• Effective Home Remedies for Braces Pain Relief

• Orthodontist-Approved Pain Relief Tips for Braces Discomfort 

• How to Manage Pain After Braces Tightening or Adjustments

Final Thoughts

Eating with braces doesn’t have to be painful or restrictive. By choosing soft, nutritious foods, you can maintain a balanced diet and minimize discomfort during your orthodontic treatment. Experiment with different recipes and flavors to keep your meals enjoyable and varied.

Remember to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal to prevent food particles from getting trapped in your braces. If pain persists or you experience any issues with your braces, consult your orthodontist for professional advice.

With a little creativity and the right food choices, you can make your braces journey much more comfortable and enjoyable.