How to Eat With New or Tightened Braces

If you have to get braces, you'll soon find you can't eat what you used to eat. Now you'll have to learn how to eat food a little differently and, unfortunately, there will be some food you can't eat.

Instructions

• 1

  Make sure you cut up your foods into little bits. Many people with braces tear up foods such as breads, bagels and fruits to make them easier to eat. You also may find it easier to eat foods like pizza if you use a knife and fork.

• 2

  Plan on eating softer foods after getting your braces and after getting then tightened. Yogurts, puddings and soft cheeses are all great ways to get some protein that's not meat-based. Drink smoothies to get your daily allotment of fruit.

• 3

  Think about how you're going to get your daily allotment of meats. Deli cuts of meats are easy to eat with braces, as are meatloaf, meatballs and barbecued chicken and turkey. Unfortunately, steaks and ribs may be completely out while you have braces. You also may find seafood is easier to eat with braces than chicken, turkey and red meat.

• 4

  Eat the softer fruits and vegetables or cook them to make them softer. Applesauce, bananas and ripened fruits such as peaches and apricots are all great fruit options. You can also eat fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, avocado or mashed potatoes. Make sure you cut up your fruits and vegetables to make them easier to eat.

• 5

  Nibble on softer breads without nuts or hard chunks of wheat. Noodles and rice are also great ways to have your grain needs while you have braces.