Getting your braces can be exciting, but it also requires some lifestyle adjustments — starting with your diet. Certain types of food can damage the brackets and wires, so you’ll need to watch what you eat if you don’t want additional trips to the orthodontist.
Don’t know where to start?
No worries — here’s a quick list of what to eat (and not eat) with braces for your reference:
- Eat soft foods during the first week
- Soups, smoothies, and scrambled eggs are excellent options
- Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as hard pretzels, candy, or gum
This guide will provide you with more information regarding what to eat (and not eat) with braces.
In addition to explaining the foods you should avoid, it also provides some food ideas to keep both you and your braces happy.
What to Eat with Braces the First Week
It’s a good idea to start slow in the early days of braces, as the pressure and soreness can cause mild discomfort as your mouth adapts. Foods that require a hard “bite” to chew are not a good choice in these early stages.
That said, there are plenty of tasty options still on the menu:
- Soups and Smoothies: Sipping soups and enjoying fruit smoothies are a popular choice the during the first couple of days.
- Melt-in-your-mouth foods. Cheese puffs and other snacks that dissolve quickly are gentle on your mouth. They can also help you satisfy cravings without resorting to crunchier foods.
- Healthy dairy. Yogurt and milk are nutritious options that won’t stress out your teeth. Studies also show that drinking dairy products may even protect against tooth decay.
- Soft fruits. Applesauce, bananas, peaches, and pears are all excellent choices when you’re easing into braces. Just remember not to ‘bite into’ or ‘bite off’ any pieces, as this could damage your wires and brackets.
- Soft animal protein. Your teeth will adapt after the first few days. Chop up chicken, fish, and pork into smaller bites. And make sure to remove all meat from the bone so you’re not accidentally damaging your braces.
What Can You NOT Eat With Braces?
The brackets on your braces can be delicate, so it’s important to steer clear of certain foods that could cause damage or get stuck in between the brackets and wires.
You should avoid:
- Hard and sticky candies: Candies like jawbreakers, caramels, taffy, and gummies can easily break or dislocate your braces.
- Sugary and fizzy drinks. These can be damaging to both tooth enamel and braces alike. Plus, with all this fancy hardware in your mouth, you need to be extra careful with your diet and cleaning.
- Hard foods or foods that have hard centers. This includes pizza crusts, Doritos, taco shells, Pringles, chicken legs, ribs, hard pretzels, candies, and ice. Be careful with popcorn, as it may also have hard kernels.
- Crispy and crunchy chicken. Take the meat off the bone, or eat soft cooked meat that has no hard pieces.
- Whole apples, corn, and other ‘biting’ foods. Remember, you want to avoid ‘biting into’ or ‘biting off’ foods, as this may break your front brackets. Instead, cut food into smaller pieces and use your molars.
Apart from avoiding these brace-damaging foods, be sure to keep an eye on your other chewing habits. Biting on pencils, pen tops, hoodie strings, zippers, or fingernails can also damage your braces and lengthen your treatment.
What Can You Eat with Braces?
You can enjoy most other foods if they are not on the naughty list. The rule is simple: eye it before you eat it! A little common sense (and a good conversation with your orthodontist) can help set you on your way.
Here are some popular foods you can eat with braces that also provide “substance:”
- Mashed potatoes. They’re soft enough to eat without causing damage, but also packed with energy to keep you going through the day.
- Scrambled eggs. Easy on the teeth and delicious too!
- Pasta dishes with soft sauces (like alfredo or marinara). Just be sure not to add any crunchy toppings like croutons or nuts. Opt for a soft cheese like ricotta instead.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on What to Eat with Braces
Braces can do wonders for your teeth, but they can also make eating a little more challenging, especially as you get used to them.
The good news is there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.
Just remember to stay away from hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can damage the brackets and wires. And if you do experience discomfort in the first week or so of having braces, don’t worry! Stick to softer options like soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs until your mouth adjusts.
Three Leaf Ortho in Waxhaw can also provide additional tips and advice. You are welcome to contact our Waxhaw or Southpark ortho location and schedule an appointment with our friendly team.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Eat with Braces
What candy can you eat with braces?
Eating candy is generally not recommended with braces because it can get stuck in brackets and wires. However, there are some types of candy that are softer and less likely to cause damage, such as the occasional chocolate. It’s important to brush your teeth after consuming sugary treats to prevent any damage to your braces or teeth.
How long until I can eat normally with braces?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a week for your mouth to adjust to having braces. During this time, it’s best to stick with soft and easy-to-eat foods until any discomfort or sensitivity subsides. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and avoid hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage your braces.
Can you eat apples with braces?
Yes, you can still enjoy apples with braces. However, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces before eating so they don’t put too much pressure on your brackets and wires. In other words, use a slicer and don’t take a traditional bite.