>So what CAN I eat with braces?

>There are TONS of lists for stuff you can’t eat when you have braces. Your ortho will give you a list and if you search the interwebs, you come across the same stuff over and over. But there is a dearth of information as to what you CAN eat right after you get braces or after you have ‘em tightened.

Unfortunately the majority of the list of soft foods is desserty. I don’t eat a lot of sugar and besides that, they actually tell you not to eat as much sugar because braces naturally make it harder for you to adequately clean your teeth. Yet when you ask, “What can I eat?” you get answers like milkshakes, pudding, Jell-O, and ice cream. Thanks a lot. That may appeal to a teenager, but I am 30 years old. I don’t eat that crap anymore.

I have therefore compiled a list of stuff soft enough to eat when you first get your braces on. I’ll continue to add to it as I come across things; feel free to leave me comments with your ideas.

Veggies
Mashed potatoes
Peas
Mac & cheese
Couscous
Green beans (cut into small pieces)
Hummus

Fruit
Bananas
Applesauce

Dairy
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Smoothies (like this one)

Entrees
Soup
Pasta
Tofu
Salmon

Dessert
Ice cream
Pudding
Jell-O
Popsicles
Milkshake
Cappuccino Cream
Mocha Java Chiller