Braces, for many people, are a symbol of smile transformation—a journey toward a perfect smile. Alongside the excitement of this new journey, a very common concern is about “food to eat for braces.” Should we bid farewell to our favorite candy bars, popcorn, or sticky foods we love?
Undergoing orthodontic treatment requires commitment to specific dietary guidelines to protect your braces from getting damaged or broken. You can simply consider this time as a shift toward healthier eating habits.
Let’s not beat around the bush and walk through “what you cannot eat with braces.”
What to Eat and What Not to Eat with Braces
Certain foods can break or damage the delicate components of braces, despite their design to withstand typical wear. Typically, these foods are considered those that increase the risk of oral health problems when the particles get trapped.
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Soft Foods to Eat With Braces —Your First Few Days With Braces
The first days after getting braces, your mouth is often sensitive. Here are soft meals for braces that are good for a sensitive mouth:
- Oatmeal: This comforting choice isn’t just soothing—it’s a nutritional powerhouse that supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Scrambled eggs: Easy to chew and offer a high level of protein that our body needs.
- Soups: Warm, comforting, and varied—just be careful about temperature.
- Pasta: When opting for pasta, choose softer-cooked shapes to ensure ease.
- Ice cream: Cold not only comforts a sensitive mouth but also helps relieve some of the pressure caused by wires.
- Bananas: Soft, nutritious, and delicately sweet.
- Mashed potatoes: Soft, creamy, filling, and perfectly comforting.
- Soft cheeses: Delicious, soft in texture, calcium-rich, and ideal for those with dental braces.
- Soft vegetables: Steamed or boiled— both are great and packed with vital nutrients.
- Seafood: Especially soft, flaky fish that's easy to eat.
- Yogurt: A nutritious, creamy option that works well at any time of day.
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Food for Braces: What to Eat with Extra Care at First
Certain foods can irritate a sore and sensitive mouth right after getting braces:
- Chewy breads or rolls: These may need more pressure than what's comfortable and could even cause brackets to pop off!
- Chewy cuts of meat: These might be hard to manage during the first few days.
- Hard candies or snacks: These can be too tough to bite into and may risk damaging your braces.
- Nuts and seeds: These crunchy snacks can get stuck in your braces and are tough on sensitive teeth.
- Corn on the cob: Biting into corn can put too much pressure on your brackets and wires.
- Tough fruits and vegetables: Apples and raw carrots can be difficult to chew and might harm your braces.
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Foods to Avoid with Braces
When it comes to food for braces, there are certain items you have to steer clear of completely. Overall, any hard, sticky, chewy, or difficult-to-bite foods can increase the risk of broken appliances and may prolong treatment. Here’s a list of these foods to keep in mind:
- Hard candy: High risk of damaging both teeth and braces.
- Corn on the cob and whole apples: Biting directly can dislodge brackets or bend wires.
- Popcorn: The worst enemy of braces—kernels can damage appliances and get stuck.
- Ice: Biting ice can break your brackets or wires and cause unnecessary stress.
- Sticky candies: Taffy, caramel, and similar candies can stubbornly stick on braces and are hard to clean off.
- Nuts: Their hard texture can cause braces to break or loosen.
- Crunchy veggies/fruits: Uncooked crunchy veggies or fruits add extra pressure on braces and might damage them.
- Pizza crust: Crispy, hard crust can be tough to chew and may harm your braces.
- Bagels or hard rolls: These can be too dense and require excessive force, which can hurt your braces.
- Snack chips or pretzels: Hard and crunchy foods that can break brackets or damage wires should be avoided.
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What Foods Can You Not Eat with Braces?
Food for Braces: 10 Essential Tips to Keep in Mind
When you have braces, there are certain soft foods to eat with braces you can enjoy, and there are also foods you need to steer clear of. Here are expert-approved tips to keep in mind when you get braces:
- Go for soft foods: Always choose soft foods for braces, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies— especially right after getting or adjusting your braces. These foods require less chewing and put minimal pressure on your braces.
- Sidestep stickiness: Sticky foods tend to cling to braces, making them hard to clean. If you want to chew gum, go for the sugar-free option—it might even help with soreness in some cases.
- Start Small: Initially, cut your foods into small pieces to reduce the need for biting and, consequently, minimize pressure on both braces and teeth.
- Chew with care: Always chew slowly and gently. Aggressive chewing might dislodge brackets or bend wires, which can delay your progress.
- Listen to your orthodontist carefully: Your orthodontist will give you specific guidelines regarding food to eat for braces and how to take care of them—follow these instructions closely.
- Avoid extreme temperature: Be cautious with very hot or cold foods and drinks, especially in the first few days after getting or adjusting your braces. Extreme temperatures can increase tooth sensitivity.
- Swish or rinse: Rinsing your mouth with water after every meal helps remove any food particles stuck around your braces, preventing plaque buildup and staining.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day not only keeps your body hydrated but also helps clean your mouth. It washes away food debris around your braces and significantly reduces mouth acidity.
- Invest in the right tools: Always carry a travel-sized toothbrush or invest in a water flosser. Remember, brushing and flossing after each meal can be a game-changer in keeping your braces clean and free from stains.
- Beware of crunch and crisp: Hard, sticky, crunchy, or crispy foods— like carrots, apples, or crusty bread—can damage your braces and wires, potentially prolonging your treatment.
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Take the Next Step
Ready to achieve a perfect smile? Contact us at York Orthodontics and book your free consultation today. Our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way toward a healthier, more confident smile.
FAQs
When you have braces, avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, caramel, and raw carrots. These can damage your brackets or wires and delay your treatment. Stick to soft foods for braces and follow your orthodontist’s guidelines for the best results.
Soups and broths are a go-to option after getting braces since they’re gentle on your teeth, easy to consume, and can soothe soreness and inflammation. For a nutritious boost, pick soups rich in vegetables. Blended varieties like creamy soups, pasta soups, and bisques are also excellent choices.
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces—but with caution. Soft-crust pizza is usually fine, but avoid hard or crunchy crusts that can damage your brackets or wires. Also, steer clear of toppings that are tough to chew, like thick bacon or hard veggies.