Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. However, adjusting to life with braces means making some dietary changes to avoid damaging your orthodontic appliances and ensuring your treatment progresses smoothly. Here’s a guide on what you can and cannot eat while wearing braces.
Foods You Can Eat with Braces
While braces require some dietary restrictions, there are still plenty of delicious and safe foods you can enjoy:
Soft Foods
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Soft-cooked pasta
Rice
Oatmeal
Soft bread (without a hard crust)
Dairy Products
Yogurt
Soft cheeses
Milkshakes
Pudding
Fruits & Vegetables (Soft or Cooked)
Bananas
Berries
Avocados
Steamed vegetables
Applesauce
Proteins
Soft-cooked chicken
Ground beef
Tofu
Fish
Meatloaf
Beans
Treats & Snacks
Ice cream (without nuts)
Soft cookies
Smoothies
Soft cake
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods can damage braces, causing discomfort or even prolonging treatment time. Here’s what to avoid:
Hard Foods (Can break brackets and wires)
Hard candies
Nuts
Popcorn (kernels can get stuck)
Ice cubes (chewing on them can cause damage)
Sticky & Chewy Foods (Can pull brackets off and get stuck)
Caramel
Gum
Taffy
Gummy candies
Crunchy Foods (Can bend wires and loosen brackets)
Chips
Hard taco shells
Raw carrots
Whole apples (cut them into small pieces instead)
Sugary Foods & Drinks (Can increase plaque buildup and cause cavities)
Soda
Sugary juices
Excessive sweets
Tips for Eating with Braces
Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces.
Chew with your back teeth rather than biting into foods directly.
Brush and floss regularly to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup.
Drink plenty of water to help wash away food debris.
Adjusting your diet with braces may take some time, but making smart food choices will help protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a variety of foods while keeping your braces in great shape!
If you have any questions about what you can eat with braces, consult our team for personalized advice.