“THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY”—you’ve probably heard this said about breakfast. And it’s true: eating breakfast gives you the energy you need to be alert and start a productive day. Not to mention that breakfast foods are some of the tastiest and most satisfying!
When your mouth is sore after your braces are tightened, breakfast–or eating in general–can seem far less appealing. Add that to an already hectic morning, and you can see how you may consider skipping breakfast.
Even if your mouth is tender and you’re short on time, there are still plenty of quick options that will give you the benefits of a healthy breakfast.
Try These Braces-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
- Smoothies are great because they don’t require chewing, can include lots of nutritious fruits and veggies, and can be refrigerated for convenience! Just avoid putting in fruits with seeds that get stuck in braces.
- Greek yogurt is fast, full of protein, and you can add your favorite fruit. Choose a low-sugar variety and don’t add hard-to-chew granola.
- Scrambled eggs are a satisfying option if you’ve got a little time to cook. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, or diced ham!
- Pancakes are soft if you’re looking for something a little sweeter. You can also microwave frozen waffles, making them less crispy than toasting.
- Oatmeal is quick to make and will give you the energy you need! Add bananas and cinnamon or brown sugar for some flavor.
Remember to avoid anything chewy, like dense breads and bacon, and crunchy foods that get stuck in braces, like granola and cold cereal.
Orthodontics, Nutrition, and Whole-Body Health
You can see how a braces tightening can affect your nutrition and the rest of your day—you might skip breakfast, have lower energy, and not perform to the best of your ability! This is the kind of “big picture” perspective we take with all our treatment and advice. We consider how orthodontics can best improve your overall health and quality of life, discuss the best care options with you, and build a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
