Four of the Worst Foods to Eat with Braces

It's almost been a year since I've had my braces (one year to go) and from trial and error I've learned what to eat and what not to eat. The ever popular 10 braces friendly foods was first, and now I bring you: foods not to eat (because it's just plain annoying!) This is more than your average orthodontist list of foods not to eat: gum, popcorn, etc.

1. Rice. Ugh rice. It's soft and easy to swallow so you'd think it would be ok to eat. Wrong. Be prepared to meticulously pick each morsel out of your brackets. I still eat it, but boy is it annoying!




2. Oatmeal. Double ugh. I've stopped eating oatmeal because even after one brush, it's not enough. You've got to brush your teeth for a good ten minutes and perform what seems like brain surgery to get this out of your teeth.




3. Anything overly Seasoned. Oh the dreaded "do I have something in my teeth?" is taken to a whole new level. OMG why did no one tell me I have black pepper specks ALL UP IN MY BRACES?! Resist smiling at people until you are able to brush thoroughly and/or floss.

4. Peanuts/Cashew/Nuts. The little bits and pieces of nuts that you would normally not be bothered with become stuck in the way back of your braces--the hardest place to reach ever. They are healthy, I know, but more of a pain than healthy benefit in my opinion.


P.S. I just got my braces off and can now eat everything on this list! Click here to read why getting your braces off is the best thing EVER!

What else would you add?

Top Ten Braces Friendly Foods

I just got braces and am paying for it dearly. My mouth is going on day 6 of hurting, but it IS getting better. Here are my top ten favorite foods to get you through those first few days/weeks.

Disclaimer: If you don't like descriptions of food, you probably shouldn't read any further.

1. Macaroni and Cheese. The noodles are easy to mash against the roof of your mouth or swallow whole. Plus it's macaroni--let's be real people.

2. Soup. Tomato and Chicken Noodle are my favorites. I tried Potato soup, but I'd recommend going without the cheese and bacon because those hurt going down if you don't chew them. 

3. Yogurt/GoGurt. GoGurt is way more fun than regular yogurt, but it's really a preference.

4. Applesauce. A childhood classic. It's best when refrigerated.

5. Baby food. Yes, I really did try this and no, it's really not that gross. If your feeling really adventurous, try the fruit varieties. Stay with me on this one, I promise I'm not weird. Sometimes, a girls got to do what a girls got to do. 

6. Raviolis. Easy to mash against the roof of your mouth and if you're getting tired of the fruit flavored things, this is a good lunch option.

7. Ramen. Be careful with the long noodles. You will likely think you can mash/swallow more than you really can and may or may not almost choke. Also the noodles get all wrapped around the brackets and it isn't pretty. Don't eat in public.

8. Jello. Another staple. Easy to get down and a variety of flavors.

9. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. And cue the angel chorus. My most favorite food. I had it for lunch today since I couldn't eat what was being served (poboys). When in doubt, eat mashed potatoes and gravy.

10. Milkshakes/Smoothies. For me, sucking through a straw with my front teeth has been a struggle (those are the most sore) so TIP: suck it through the side of your mouth. Way easier and no pain. I usually get smoothies in the morning for breakfast and milkshakes as a treat.

All of these are great foods to eat when your mouth is sore, but there are some foods you shouldn't eat (mostly because they are annoying).

P.S. I just got my braces off! Click here to read why it's literally the BEST THING EVER!

Shop some of my favorite braces necessities below!