Braces represent a big step toward a straighter smile, but they do take some time to get used to as well, especially when first getting them, and especially during the first week. Knowing what to eat with braces in the first week can minimize pain, safeguard your brackets, and help your mouth heal more quickly. This guide will show you what you should, and shouldn’t, eat, and how to use your meals to work for you during those touchy early days.
What to Eat with Braces: First Week
Why the 1st Week of Braces is the Most Important
The first week in braces is typically the worst. Your mouth gets used to the pressure from the brackets and wires, so eating is tricky. Choosing the right foods can:
- Minimize pain and discomfort
- Avoid injury to brackets or wire
- Encourage sore spots to heal faster
- Make this adjustment feel a little less awkward
So, what to eat with braces the first week is not just a matter of comfort—it’s even part of your treatment plan.
How Your Mouth Feels in the First Week
| Symptom | Cause | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sore gums and teeth | Orthodontic pressure | Pain when biting or chewing |
| Lip/cheek irritation | Friction from the brackets within the mouth | Cuts, ulcers, discomfort |
| Jaw fatigue | Adjusting to new bite alignment | Tiring to chew |
| Temperature sensitivity | Exposed areas due to movement | Avoid hot/cold items |
How Eating Feels in the First Week
Before we get into what to eat, here’s what most people go through the first week:
| Common Issue | Why It Happens | Effect on Eating |
|---|---|---|
| Sore Teeth and Gums | Effect of Eating | Pressurizing with new braces |
| Jaw Discomfort | Getting used to your new bite | Tiring to chew for extended periods |
| Mouth Sores or Irritations | Brackets rubbing against inner cheeks and lips | Makes eating dry or rough foods painful |
| Sensitivity to Temperature | Exposed tooth surfaces may be tender | Avoid extremely hot or extremely cold foods |
These symptoms make it clear why choosing soft, soothing foods is crucial.
20 Foods to Love in Your First Week With Braces
Knowing what to eat with braces the first week is all about finding foods that are soft, nourishing, and gentle on your mouth. Here are 20 braces-friendly foods you can enjoy.
| Food Item | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Oatmeal | Delicious, hearty, and comfortable to eat. |
| 2. Yogurt | Cooling and probiotic-rich |
| 3. Smoothies | No chewing required; great for fruits/veggies |
| 4. Scrambled eggs | Oh, It’s a Soft, Protein-Powered, Versatile |
| 5. Mashed potatoes | Creamy and comforting |
| 6. Mac & cheese | Soft pasta with satisfying texture |
| 7. Rice with dal | Traditional, soft, and nutrient-rich |
| 8. Khichdi | Easy-to-digest and gentle on sore mouths |
| 9. Pancakes (no crust) | Fluffy, sweet, and filling |
| 10. Soup (any variety) | Warm and hydrating; adds nutrition with little effort |
| 11. Custard or pudding | Dessert-like softness and comfort |
| 12. Applesauce | Fruit intake with no chewing required |
| 13. Ripe banana | Naturally soft and high in energy |
| 14. Ice cream | Soothes inflammation (avoid toppings) |
| 15. Steamed carrots | Soft and full of fiber |
| 16. Soft paneer/tofu | High in protein and easy to chew |
| 17. Gelatin (Jell-O) | Fun texture, no chewing |
| 18. Soft noodles | Easy to slurp and mix with vegetables |
| 19. Creamy dal soup | Indian-style protein boost with smooth texture |
| 20. Rice pudding (kheer) | Sweet, smooth, and culturally comforting |
Best Foods to Eat in the First Week with Braces
Here’s a breakdown of what to eat with braces the first week, categorized by meals and food types for easy planning.
🥣 Breakfast Options
| Food | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Oatmeal | Soft, warm, and easy to swallow |
| Scrambled Eggs | Protein-rich and fluffy texture |
| Smoothies | Cold, soothing, and customizable |
| Pancakes (No crust) | Soft and chew-friendly |
| Yogurt | Cooling and probiotic-rich |
Tip: Blend fruit to add to smoothies or oatmeal to increase nutrients without adding to difficulty chewing
🥗 Lunch & Dinner Ideas
| Food | Texture & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and gentle on sore teeth |
| Soft Pasta (mac & cheese) | Requires little chewing, comforting |
| Rice with Dal or Curry | Traditional option, very gentle and nutritious |
| Soups (vegetable, chicken) | Warm, hydrating, and filling |
| Steamed Veggies | Easy to chew and packed with fiber |
| Soft Tofu or Paneer | Great protein source, chewable without effort |
Bonus Tip: Add melted cheese or soft sauces to increase calories and flavor.
🍮 Snacks and Desserts
| Snack or Treat | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|
| Applesauce | Fruit-based, smooth texture |
| Pudding or Custard | Sweet, soft, and satisfying |
| Banana or Ripe Mango | Naturally soft fruits |
| Gelatin (like Jell-O) | No chewing required |
| Ice Cream (no nuts/caramel) | Soothes soreness while being tasty |
7-Day Meal Plan for the First Week with Braces
| Day | Breakfast | Morning Snack | Lunch | Afternoon Snack | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Creamy oatmeal with mashed bananas and cinnamon | Greek yogurt with honey | Mashed potatoes with steamed peas | Applesauce | Tomato soup with soft white bread |
| Day 2 | Scrambled eggs with soft toast | Vanilla smoothie (milk, banana, peanut butter) | Mac and cheese with soft broccoli | Chocolate pudding | Chicken noodle soup with crackers |
| Day 3 | Pancakes with maple syrup (no crust) | Yogurt parfait (granola softened with milk) | Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with shredded rotisserie chicken | Ice cream (no nuts or chunks) | Butternut squash soup with soft dinner roll |
| Day 4 | Soft waffles with mashed strawberries | Cottage cheese with pineapple bits | Soft white rice with baked salmon flakes | Rice pudding | Creamy tomato pasta with steamed carrots |
| Day 5 | Applesauce pancakes + soft scrambled eggs | Protein shake with blended oats | Creamy mashed cauliflower with turkey meatloaf (softened) | Banana slices | Chicken and rice casserole (extra soft) |
| Day 6 | Cream of wheat with brown sugar and milk | Jell-O or gelatin cup | Mac & cheese with finely steamed spinach | Yogurt with soft berries | Baked potato with melted cheese and sour cream |
| Day 7 | Soft banana muffins (no nuts) | Strawberry smoothie | Soft risotto with tender chicken and peas | Chocolate mousse | Creamy broccoli cheddar soup with soft garlic bread |
Quick Tips for Success:
- Keep it to soft textures: Nothing crusty, crunchy, chewy.
- Cut your food into small pieces, so there’s no pressure to chew.
- Avoid anything too hot or too cold.
- Take in smoothies, and if you need a straw, define one!
- Rinse your mouth with water or a saltwater solution after eating to help your mouth feel better.
Grocery Essentials List
Here’s a quick shopping list to get you ready for the first week with braces:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Grains | Oatmeal, white bread, soft tortillas, pasta |
| Dairy | Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, soft cheese |
| Protein | Eggs, soft tofu, shredded chicken, ground turkey |
| Fruits | Bananas, applesauce, mashed berries |
| Vegetables | Steamed carrots, squash, sweet potatoes |
| Snacks/Desserts | Steamed carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes |
| Soups/Broths | Tomato soup, chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar |
Notes:
- Make sure the veggies are cooked through and no longer crispy.
- Chop food into reasonably sized morsels to take the pressure off your teeth.
- Keep food lukewarm or at room temperature to avoid sensitivity.
- Keep yourself hydrated with lots of water throughout the day to flush food particles.
10 Foods to Avoid During Your First Week of Braces
As important as knowing what to eat with braces the first week is knowing what to avoid. And some of these foods may potentially damage your braces or worsen any pain you have.
| Avoid These Foods | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1. Chips/Nachos | Too crunchy, can dislodge brackets |
| 2. Crusty bread/pizza crust | Hard edges hurt teeth and brackets |
| 3. Nuts and seeds | Get stuck and break wires |
| 4. Raw carrots or apples | Too hard for sore teeth |
| 5. Hard candies/lollipops | Pressure can snap wires |
| 6. Sticky toffee or caramels | Stick to braces that are hard to clean |
| 7. Corn on the cob | Stick to braces which are hard to clean |
| 8. Popcorn | Biting into it strains the front brackets |
| 9. Tough meat (steak) | Requires forceful chewing |
| 10. Crunchy granola or bars | Hard textures create pressure on teeth |
Remind yourself: Do not eat any food that would require biting or chewing with force..
10 Tips for Eating with Braces Without Pain
This advice should help your first week hurt as little as possible.
- Small pieces -Small bites, no biting directly, and no stimulation to the jaw.
- Chew delicately and slowly – Allow the mouth to get used to chewing all over again.
- Utilize back teeth more –Less painful than using sensitive front teeth.
- Hydrate – Helps prevent sticking of food particles; helps soothe soreness.
- Stay away from extremes of hot and cold – Sensitive teeth do not handle the temperature difference from hot to cold well.
- Orthodontic Wax – Protects cheeks from new brackets.
- Stay away from sticky or chewy foods: They are difficult to keep clean and can damage braces.
- Brush after every meal – To keep teeth clean and lower the risk of decay.
- Brush with a SOFT-BRISTLED or a Power WHITENING toothbrush- Soft and easy on gums and braces.
- Warm salt water rinses — Relieves inflammation and treats tiny sores.
Nutrients to Focus on to Speed Recovery in the First Week
As you’re determining what to eat the first week with braces, it’s also important that the foods you choose give you the nutrients and vitamins you need.
| Nutrient | Food Source | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Eggs, dal, tofu, yogurt | Heals tissues and supports recovery |
| Calcium | Dairy, paneer, fortified oats | Strengthens teeth and jaw bone |
| Iron | Soft spinach puree, dal, lentils | Keeps energy levels high |
| Fiber | Blended fruits, cooked veggies | Keeps digestion smooth |
| Vitamin C | Mango, papaya, citrus juices (diluted) | Promotes gum healing |
How Long Do You Eat Soft Foods After Oral Surgery?
Between 3 and 7 days is generally the most sensitive time. From there, as the pain decreases, you can build in some types of semi-soft foods. However, by knowing what to eat with braces the first week, you can prevent setbacks and promote healing.
Even if the pain disappears in short order, resist the urge to dive back into crunchy or chewy foods. Your mouth is still adjusting, and your braces are still new.
Emotional Support: Don’t Worry, It Gets Better
It is completely normal to feel frustrated when stuck on soft foods and experiencing soreness. But here’s what to remember:
- Pain and tenderness generally diminish over 5–7 days.
- You’ll figure out pretty quickly what kinds of foods you can tolerate.
- By the end of the second week, most people are feeling normal in terms of their eating.”
- You can still enjoy your most-loved dishes — just tweak them.
Final Thoughts
The beginning of the first week with braces. The first week with braces is the most important week that you will spend in your braces. When you select the perfect foods and know what to eat with braces the first week, you help to protect your mouth, minimize discomfort, and create healthy habits from day one.
Avoid the hard, sticky stuff. Stick with soft, nurturing,g and soothing foods. Follow the guidelines above to eat better, protect your braces, and keep your spirits up throughout the tough times.
You’re just a week away from being fully adjusted to your new smile journey— so eat smart and smile on!
15 detailed FAQs on what to eat with braces the first week
What are the best foods to eat with braces in the first week?
In the first week with braces, try to find soft, non-chewy, or easy-to-swallow foods. Those alleviate the — they are comfortable, and they help prevent breakage of brackets and wires.
Examples include:
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Yogurt
Soups
Smoothies
Oatmeal
Soft pastaCan I eat fruits during the first week of braces?
Yes, but just soft or mashed fruits. Tough, crunchy fruits can damage brackets and cause discomfort to sensitive teeth.
Best options:
Bananas
Applesauce
Mashed berries
Ripe peaches
Chunks Pack canned fruits without syrupIs it okay to eat rice or pasta with new braces?
Yes — rice and pasta work well because they are soft and chewy. Steer clear of those sticky sauces and tough chunks of meat tossed into the mix.
Tips:
Cook until very soft
Opt for creamier and not chunkier sauces
Stay away from spicy or extra-strong foods that irritateCan I drink smoothies during the first week?
Absolutely. Smoothies are great for sore teeth and will stay packed with plenty of nutrients.
Smoothie suggestions:
Banana + yogurt + milk
Berries + protein powder
Mango + almond milk
Add oats for fiber (pulse until well mixed)Should I avoid crunchy snacks with new braces?
As for crunchy foods, it might be a little painful the first week. They are capable of snapping wires and causing pain.
Avoid:
Popcorn
Chips
Raw carrots
Hard nuts
PretzelsCan I eat meat during the first week of braces?
Yes, but only bits of soft, tender meat. Don’t eat anything chewy and fibrous.
Safe meats:
Soft shredded chicken
Ground turkey
Tender fish
Tofu
Avoid jerky, steak, or ribs.How many meals should I eat during the first week?
Generally, it’s best to aim for 4-6 small meals and snacks so you maintain your energy levels without working your teeth too hard.
Meal spacing tips:
3 soft main meals
1-3 light snacks (like smoothie, yogurt, etc.)
Drink up so soreness is soothedCan I eat sweets or desserts with braces during the first week?
Can I eat candy or sweet stuff with braces during the first week?
Yes, in moderation. Opt for soft, non-sticky varieties that won’t cling to your braces.
Safe desserts:
The latter makes sure you don’t miss anything, and ice cream (except for nuts or caramel).
Pudding
Custard
Gelatin
Soft cakes
Say no to saltwater taffy, caramels , and hard candies.What should I drink during my first week with braces?
Drink lots of water. You will also want to stay away from sweet and/or acidic sips, as people can strip enamel and agitate the mouth.
Best drinks:
Water
Herbal tea (lukewarm)
Milk
Smoothies
Protein shakesCan I eat dairy products with braces?
Yes! Milk products are great for braces, and they help to maintain dental health with their calcium and protein.
Great dairy options:
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Soft cheese slices
Milk
Cream-based soups
Stay away from extremely hard or aged cheeses.Is soup a good meal choice during the first week?
Yes, soups are among the best choices for the first week. They are warm and they are nutritious and don’t require much, if any, biting and chewing.
Top choices:
Tomato soup
Butternut squash soup
Cream of chicken
Broccoli cheddar
Lentil soup (well-blended)Can I eat bread with braces in the first week?
Yes, and use soft bread, without crusts. Don’t use toast or hard-crusted loaves.
Bread tips:
White or wheat sandwich bread (un-toasted)
Pancakes or soft muffins
Do not even consider bagels, French bread, or rolls.Are eggs a good source of protein during the first week?
Yes, they are soft, gentle on your teeth, and loaded with protein—so to speak, a braces’ dream food.
Ideas:
Scrambled eggs
Soft-boiled
Egg salad
Omelettes made with finely cut vegetablesHow long should I stick to soft foods after getting braces?
The initial 5–7 days are the most crucial. Afterward, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods as soreness diminishes — just stay away from sticky or crunchy ones.
Timeline:
Days 1–3: Strictly soft foods
Days 4-7: So over the next four days, start to introduce them to slightly firmer textures 14.
Week 1: Gradually add back more solids
Dr. Niraj Ghanghoriya is a passionate dental surgeon with over 12 years of experience in clinical dentistry. He completed his BDS from the prestigious Sri Aurobindo Institute of Dentistry in 2012 and specializes in painless root canals, smile makeovers, and preventive oral care. Known for his patient-first approach and clear communication, Dr. Ghanghoriya aims to make dental knowledge accessible to everyone. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys writing informative dental blogs to help people take better care of their oral health.
