Foods That Help Your Braces Not to Hurt

Braces will ultimately give you a straight, beautiful smile, but having braces can also be painful. If you've just gotten your braces on, your mouth may be particularly tender for the first few days, according to the Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital Boston 12. Each month after getting your braces tightened, they may also feel sore for a day or two. During these days, eat soft foods that will help your teeth feel better.

Breakfast

Eating soft, room temperature or cool foods for breakfast will help reduce the pain of new or recently tightened braces 3. Instead of putting frozen waffles in the toaster or the oven, Pamela Waterman, author of "The Braces Cookbook," recommends placing them in the microwave so they are soft enough to chew comfortably 2. Eat cold, soft foods, like fruit salad, to help cool your mouth and minimize pain. If you are too sore to chew, eat a cup of creamy yogurt or drink a cold fruit smoothie made with seedless fruits.

Lunch

Things to Use Instead of Orthodontics Wax

Learn More

Say goodbye to that steak sandwich, at least until your teeth and gums are less irritated. Instead, enjoy macaroni and cheese for lunch, or a cup of matzoh-ball soup. Avoid particularly chewy foods and raw, crunchy vegetables. Cook any vegetables you're craving in a pot with a small amount of warm water until they're soft enough to eat comfortably. If your mouth pain is severe, stay away from hot foods and stick with cold foods that don't require much chewing, like cottage cheese and mashed avocado.

Dinner

For dinner, meats that are cooked for extended periods of time, like meatloaf or slow-cooker meals will feel the best on your sore gums and mouth, according to braces information website, ArchWired.com 3. Cooked pasta, rice, couscous or quinoa may also prevent your teeth and gums from becoming more irritated. If you're feeling unable to chew, prepare polenta with mashed potatoes and creamed corn for dinner to give your gums and teeth a rest.