Getting braces is a big step toward a perfect smile, but it also means adjusting your diet. Some foods can damage your braces or get stuck, causing discomfort or extending treatment time.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of foods that are safe to eat with braces.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate what to eat, offer tips for maintaining a balanced diet, and share snack and meal ideas that won’t interfere with your treatment.
With braces, food to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Opt for soft foods like pasta, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Just remember to cut foods into small pieces to protect your braces!
Before diving into the foods you can enjoy, it’s important to know what to avoid.
Getting braces is an important step toward a beautiful smile, but it does require some adjustments to your lifestyle, especially when it comes to food.
Certain foods can damage your braces or get stuck in them, causing discomfort and even leading to longer treatment times.
On the other hand, there are plenty of foods that are safe and enjoyable to eat while you have braces.
We’ll explore what you can eat with braces, provide some tips for maintaining a balanced diet, and offer suggestions for snacks and meals that won’t interfere with your orthodontic treatment.
Some foods are more likely to damage your braces or cause discomfort, so it’s crucial to be cautious about your food choices.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean.
These foods can also pull at the brackets and wires, potentially causing damage. It’s best to avoid these types of foods altogether during your orthodontic treatment.
Hard Foods
Hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and ice can cause your brackets to loosen or even break.
Biting down on hard foods can also lead to sore teeth and make your braces less effective. Opt for softer alternatives to prevent damage to your braces.
Foods That Require Biting Into Directly
Biting into foods such as apples, corn on the cob, or raw carrots can put pressure on your braces, leading to discomfort or potential damage.
Instead of biting into these foods, try slicing them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s take a look at the foods that are safe to eat with braces.
When you first get your braces, your teeth may feel sore, so it’s important to choose soft foods that won’t cause further discomfort.
Soft Fruits
Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, and many fruits are perfect for eating with braces.
Soft fruits like bananas, grapes, berries, and melons are easy to chew and gentle on your teeth. You can enjoy them fresh, blended in smoothies, or even mashed for a quick snack.
Examples: Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears
Cooked Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with nutrients, and many are safe to eat with braces as long as they’re cooked.
Soft vegetables like mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and steamed broccoli are great choices. Avoid raw, crunchy vegetables like celery and raw carrots, as they can be tough on your braces.
Examples: Mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, soft peas, roasted squash
Soft Dairy Products
Dairy products are a great source of calcium, which is important for strong teeth. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese are excellent options.
Yogurt is also a good choice, especially when it’s plain or lightly sweetened. Just be cautious with flavored yogurts, as they may contain added sugars.
Examples: Yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, soft mozzarella
Tender Proteins
Meat can be difficult to eat with braces, especially tougher cuts like steak. However, there are plenty of tender protein options that are safe for braces.
Soft proteins like scrambled eggs, fish, chicken (without bones), and tofu are easy to chew and won’t cause any issues with your braces.
Examples: Scrambled eggs, grilled chicken (boneless), salmon, tofu, beans
Pasta and Noodles
Pasta is a soft, easy-to-eat food that’s perfect for those with braces. You can enjoy macaroni, spaghetti, and other types of pasta without worrying about damaging your braces.
Just be sure to cut the pasta into small pieces to avoid any discomfort.
Examples: Spaghetti, macaroni, fusilli, egg noodles
Bread and Soft Baked Goods
Soft bread and baked goods are generally safe to eat with braces, but you should avoid hard crusts or crusty baguettes that can put pressure on your teeth.
Choose soft breads, muffins, and pancakes instead. Whole grain options are also great, as they provide added nutrients and fibre.
Examples: Soft bread, bagels, muffins, pancakes, tortillas
Smoothies and Shakes
Smoothies are an excellent way to enjoy a nutritious snack or meal while you have braces.
You can blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and even protein powder to create a delicious and healthy drink. Smoothies are gentle on the teeth and can be customised to suit your tastes.
Examples: Fruit smoothies, protein shakes, green smoothies, milkshakes
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet while wearing braces is important not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Cut Food into Small Pieces
When you have braces, it’s crucial to cut food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew. This is especially important for foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Cutting food into smaller, bite-sized pieces will reduce pressure on your braces and make the chewing process more comfortable.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar can contribute to plaque buildup around your braces, increasing your risk of cavities and other oral issues.
Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, such as soda, candies, and sugary snacks. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like water, unsweetened beverages, and whole fruits.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Braces make it easier for food to get stuck between your teeth, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly.
After eating, especially if you’ve had sticky or sweet foods, take the time to thoroughly clean your teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss threaders, and an orthodontic toothbrush to keep your braces and teeth clean.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for your overall health, and it’s especially important when you have braces.
Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and braces, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated.
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but avoid biting into the crust directly. It’s best to cut the pizza into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth to avoid damaging your braces.
Nuts are generally too hard to eat with braces and can damage your brackets and wires. It’s best to avoid nuts or opt for softer alternatives like nut butter.
While you can drink soda with braces, it’s best to avoid sugary sodas, as they can contribute to plaque buildup and cavities. Drink water or unsweetened drinks to maintain your oral health.
Eating with braces doesn’t have to be a challenge. By choosing the right foods and avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy food, you can still enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals and snacks.
Soft fruits, cooked vegetables, tender proteins, pasta, and bread are all safe choices for those with braces.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, brushing and flossing regularly, and staying hydrated will help you keep your teeth and braces in good condition throughout your treatment.
With the right food choices, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable orthodontic journey.
Class One Orthodontics is where smiles are masterfully crafted. As Worcester and Newton's premier orthodontic experts, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled care with a personal touch. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedication to our community, we're not just creating beautiful smiles – we're shaping the future of oral health with a warmth and expertise that's unmatched.
