6 Yummy, Healthy Foods to Eat with Braces

You’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to straighten your smile with braces in Newark, OH. However, your jaw is now sore and you’re having trouble remembering what you can and can’t eat. Not to worry! We’ve created this guide with 6 braces-friendly foods that are healthy for your mouth and your body.

1. Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is great for both your body and your teeth, thanks to its high protein and calcium content. Protein keeps you full for a long time, so it cuts back on the need for extra snacking. Calcium strengthens your teeth and bones. It also may come with good bacteria to balance out the bad bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay. Make sure to stick to plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar to fully reap its benefits.

2. Smoothies

In addition to being fun to make, smoothies are great for your oral health. There are so many fruits, veggies, and liquids you can mix in that you may never have to have the same smoothie twice. They’re perfect for the days after you get your braces tightened. The coldness cuts down on swelling and pain, and they’re easy to take to school or work.

3. Eggs

People talk about how eggs are a great source of protein, but they’re also jam-packed with phosphorous. When you consume phosphorous along with vitamin D and calcium, it supports strong and healthy teeth and fights cavities. Whether you eat them scrambled, poached, or boiled, eggs remain soft enough for sore mouths.

4. Cooked Fruits and Veggies

If you have braces, you should stay away from raw produce, as the crunch could break or dislodge a bracket. Cooked fruits and veggies, however, are wonderful for the health of your mouth and body. Most produce contains plenty of antioxidants that help protect your gums and teeth from infection. To get the most out of your diet, try to put a rainbow of fruits and veggies on your plate.

5. Fish

Studies have shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids in fish lowers your risk of gum disease. Also, fatty fish like salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D, which helps your body use calcium effectively to make your teeth and bones stronger. Even if your mouth is sore, you should have no trouble chewing fish like you would other meats.

6. Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade soup is the perfect food for a sore mouth due to new braces. Vitamins and protein in chicken noodle soup can speed up your natural healing process. The slurping motion also gives your jaw a little break from chewing.

Adjusting to life with braces from your orthodontist in Newark, OH can take a while. Stick to these foods to help make that process easier.

About the Author

Dr. Timothy Wigal graduated with the highest honors from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Following that, he spent three years in a residency program focused on orthodontics. He believes that an aligned smile is important to your mental and physical health. If you’re interested in straightening your grin, contact Dr. Wigal by clicking here or calling (740) 397-2111.