Braces are delicate, and any immense external forces may cause damage and breakage to the brackets and bands. We have probably warned you against eating certain hard foods that may stand detrimental to the life of your braces. The following is a look into five soft and tender foods that you will enjoy as well as keep your braces in tact. Braces shouldn’t necessarily subject you to a boring menu.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Pasta plus tender meat should always pamper your teeth and braces while you enjoy the meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean minced meat
- 1 large peeled and chopped onion
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 14 oz can tomato sauce
- 14 oz blend tomatoes
- Pasta noodles of your choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly grated parmesan
Method
Pour the oil and onions in a large pan and fry over high heat for 3 minutes until the onions turn brown. Add the garlic and minced meat until they both turn brown. Stir in the ketchup and tomatoes. Bring the thick sauce to boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let the sauce simmer with occasional stirring for about 30 minutes. Boil the pasta in a larger pan of boiling and salted water. Once cooked, drain excess water and rinse the pasta then put in back in the pan and pour your minced sauce. Serve with parmesan.
Baked Ravioli Pasta
It is another quick-to-fix meal that is braces friendly.
Ingredients
- 14 oz diced cherry tomatoes.
- 24 oz pasta sauce.
- 1-1 1/2 lbs fresh/frozen chicken ravioli.
- 1 cup grated parmesan.
- 2 cups grated mozzarella.
- ½ cup chopped parsley.
- 1 cup of water.
Method
Heat the oven to 400°F. Brush some oil on a casserole dish. In the casserole dish, mix pasta sauce, water, and the chopped tomatoes. Add a layer of pasta on the mixture and sprinkle some mozzarella and parmesan on top. Bake for approximately 45 minutes until the top of the dish turns golden brown. Sprinkle parsley before serving.
Berry Smoothie
The berry smoothie soothes the inner parts of your cheeks, especially when the braces are new and your mouth hasn’t got used to it. This recipe is quick, nutritious and doesn’t have limitations to what contents you may want to add to your smoothie.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of vanilla yogurt.
- 1 cup of frozen mixed berries.
- ½ cup milk, almond or coconut milk.
- 1 tsp protein powder.
- Ice cubes.
- Optional garnish: fresh berries or mint sprigs.
Method
Blend everything, pour in a glass, and serve with some garnish.
Baked Potato Soup
This soup offers a soothing touch to your oral space, mainly when the braces are still new, and your mouth is sore.
Ingredients
- 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed.
- 2 tbs margarine.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 2 green onions, chopped.
- 3 slices of bacon.
- 3 cups milk.
- Shredded cheese.
Method
In a large pan, fry the bacon and onions until they both turn brown. Put them aside. Melt the butter in a different pan and add flour and milk, while stirring until the mixture thickens. Season with pepper and salt before adding the baked, diced potatoes, onion and bacon. Garnish with shredded cheese and serve.
Potato Pancakes
The crunchiness of potato chips can be harsh on your braces, but potato pancakes are a nice alternative.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated.
- 1 egg.
- ½ cup chopped onions.
- A ¼ cup of milk.
- 2 tbs all-purpose flour.
- 1/8 tsp baking powder.
- Oil for frying.
Method
Blend all components to form a smooth paste. Heat the frying pan over medium heat and brush lightly with oil. Smear some batter into the pan and pat for about two minutes until it turns golden brown. Turn to the other side and let it cook until golden brown. Repeat the process with the rest of the batter. Sprinkle salt and pepper and serve while hot.
These are just some of our favorite braces-friendly recipes. The general rule for choosing meals when on brace treatment is going for soothing, soft, and tender meals. Avoid spicy foods that might provoke any sore spots, especially when the braces are still new. Remember to stick to healthy and nutritious meals.