Foods You Can and Can’t Eat with Braces

Getting braces is an exciting milestone on your path to a radiant, healthy smile. It’s a transformative experience that sets the stage for a future filled with confidence and self-assurance. As you embark on this orthodontic journey, it’s important to recognize that along with the promise of a beautiful smile, there come some necessary adjustments—especially when it comes to your diet.

Foods You Can Eat with Braces

While having braces means avoiding certain foods, you can still enjoy plenty of delicious options. These braces-friendly foods are soft, easy to chew, and won’t damage your brackets or wires:

• Dairy: Soft cheeses, yogurt, and milk are all safe to eat with braces and provide important nutrients for your teeth.
• Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables are easier to chew than raw ones and are gentle on your braces.
• Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and applesauce are great choices. If you enjoy firmer fruits, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Grains: Pasta, rice, and soft bread are excellent braces-friendly options. Avoid crusty bread or hard rolls that can be tough to chew.
• Proteins: Eggs, soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, and fish are good protein sources that are easy on your braces.
• Treats: You don’t have to give up sweets completely! Enjoy soft treats like pudding, ice cream, or cake (just be sure to brush your teeth afterward).

Foods to Avoid with Braces

To keep your braces intact and avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist, it’s important to steer clear of certain foods that can cause damage. Here are some foods you should avoid while wearing braces:

• Hard and Crunchy Foods: Foods like nuts, popcorn, chips, and hard candies can break your brackets or wires.
• Sticky Foods: Sticky substances like caramel, gum, and taffy can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to clean out.
• Chewy Foods: Foods like bagels, tough meat, and licorice can put extra pressure on your braces and cause them to loosen.
• Sugary Snacks: While not strictly off-limits, sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavities, especially around the brackets. If you indulge, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward.

Raw Vegetables and Fruits: Hard, raw vegetables like carrots or fruits like apples should be avoided or cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent damage.

Tips for Eating with Braces

Here are some additional tips to help you navigate eating with braces:

• Cut Food into Small Pieces: Instead of biting directly into food, cut it into smaller pieces to reduce pressure on your braces.
• Chew Carefully: Take your time when eating, and chew with your back teeth to avoid putting stress on your brackets.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth clean.
• Keep Up with Oral Hygiene: Braces make it easier for food to get trapped in your teeth, so brushing and flossing after meals is crucial.

Conclusion

Adjusting your diet while wearing braces can take some getting used to, but with a little planning, you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods. By following these guidelines and making smart food choices, you’ll protect your braces and keep your treatment on track.

If you have any questions or need more tips on what to eat with braces, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist at Andrews Braces. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Dr. Kevin J. Andrews and his associates, Dr. Philip Rutkowski and Dr. Katharina Fung are committed to providing personalized orthodontic care in the Reno-Sparks area. The practice specializes in Damon Braces and Spark Clear Aligners, and has been treating patients for over 31 years! Call (775)-674-1444 or email info@andrewsbraces.com for more information. To keep up with Andrews Braces on social media, check out our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.