Getting braces is a significant step towards a healthier, straighter smile—but it requires a few lifestyle changes, particularly regarding your food. One of the most often asked questions among orthodontic patients is, “What can you eat with braces?”
Understanding which foods to consume (and which to avoid) will help you avoid brace deterioration, reduce discomfort, and maintain excellent oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment. In this blog, we’ll go over what you can and cannot eat with braces and some of the finest soft foods to eat with braces.
Why Your Diet Matters with Braces
Braces gradually reposition your teeth using brackets, wires, and occasionally bands. These components are useful, but they are also sensitive. Certain foods might break or bend the wires, delaying treatment and creating discomfort.
Furthermore, with braces, food particles are more likely to become trapped, increasing the risk of plaque accumulation and cavities if not thoroughly cleaned. That is why it is critical to choose the correct foods.
So, What Foods to Prefer?
Your teeth and gums may get uncomfortable when you first get braces or after modifications. Softer foods are preferable at this time. You’ll grow used to eating with braces, but avoiding anything too hard, crunchy, or sticky is best.
Here’s a helpful list of what can you eat with braces:
1. Soft Fruits and Cooked Vegetables
- Bananas, grapes, berries, and melons
- Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and cooked spinach
- Applesauce or fruit smoothies
These are easy on your braces and provide important vitamins and fiber.
2. Dairy Products
- Yogurt (especially Greek yogurt)
- Soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese
- Milkshakes and smoothies
Dairy provides calcium, which strengthens your teeth and bones—which is crucial during orthodontic treatment.
3. Grains and Pasta
- Cooked pasta and noodles
- Soft rice or risotto
- Pancakes, soft tortillas, and bread (without hard crusts)
These foods are soft, satisfying, and won’t damage your braces.
4. Proteins
- Scrambled or boiled eggs
- Soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, or tofu
- Deli meats, tuna, and flaky fish
Proteins help with tissue repair and energy levels; these options are easy to chew.
5. Treats in Moderation
- Ice cream (without nuts or caramel)
- Pudding, custard, or soft cakes
- Jell-O or soft chocolate (that doesn’t stick)
Yes, you can still enjoy sweets—just brush after!
Soft Foods to Eat with Braces (Especially After Adjustments)
Your teeth may feel sore right after getting braces or during regular tightening appointments. During these times, soft foods to eat with braces are your best bet.
Here’s a go-to list for those tender days:
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Macaroni and cheese
- Ripe bananas
- Soup (not too hot)
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice pudding
These foods are gentle on your teeth and still provide the nutrition you need.
What Can’t You Eat with Braces?
Now that we’ve answered what I can eat with braces, it’s equally important to look at what you can’t eat with braces. Avoiding these foods can prevent broken wires, loose brackets, and unnecessary trips to the orthodontist.
Here’s a list of the major no-no’s:
1. Hard and Crunchy Foods
- Nuts, popcorn, and pretzels
- Hard candies or lollipops
- Ice cubes (yes, even chewing ice is a bad idea!)
- Raw carrots, apples, or corn on the cob (unless cooked or cut into small pieces)
These can break your wires or pop off brackets.
2. Sticky Foods
- Caramel, taffy, or chewing gum
- Gummy candies or licorice
- Sticky granola bars or fruit snacks
Sticky foods can pull on your braces and make cleaning more difficult.
3. Chewy Breads and Meats
- Bagels, pizza crust, or French bread
- Tough cuts of meat or jerky
These require a lot of pressure to chew, which can strain your braces.
4. Sugary Snacks and Drinks
- Soda, sports drinks, and sweetened juices
- Candy bars and sugary cereals
While technically not “off-limits,” these should be consumed sparingly and always followed by a thorough brushing. Sugar promotes plaque and tooth deterioration, especially when trapped around braces.
Tips for Eating with Braces
- Cut food into small pieces: Even safe items should be bite-sized to relieve pressure on your braces.
- Chew with your back teeth: Front teeth are more prone to force on brackets, but molars handle food more safely.
- Rinse and brush after eating: Clean your teeth after meals and snacks to avoid plaque buildup around your brackets.
- Pack braces-friendly snacks: If you’re going to school or work, bring some soft snacks like string cheese, applesauce pouches, or yogurt cups.
Embracing the Braces Lifestyle
Changing your diet while wearing braces does not imply giving up all of your favorite meals. It’s more about identifying alternatives and making sound decisions. For example, if you enjoy apples, consider thinly slicing or creating applesauce. You enjoy popcorn, right? Choose puffed corn instead.
Knowing what foods you can eat while wearing braces speeds up the procedure and helps you avoid treatment setbacks. The sooner you take better care of your braces and what you eat, the sooner you can show off that straight, flawless smile.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when it comes to eating with braces:
- Do choose soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soft fruits.
- Don’t choose hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces.
- Listen to your mouth: If something feels uncomfortable to chew, it’s best to avoid it.
So the next time someone asks, “What can I eat with braces?” you’ll be ready with all the answers—and maybe even a few recipe ideas!
Remember, these dietary changes are temporary, but the results of your orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime. Take care of your braces, and they’ll take care of your smile.
