Getting braces can bring numerous positive changes to your smile. But along with the excitement of improving your bite or teeth positioning comes the responsibility of caring for your braces.
One of the most important adjustments? Changing what you eat. Certain foods, such as hard or sticky snacks can damage your braces, causing discomfort and potentially prolonging your treatment.
Knowing what to eat—and what not to eat—can help your braces last for the entire treatment, keeping you on schedule so you can head to your appointments feeling ready for your adjustments.
Why Food Choices Matter with Braces
When you have braces, your orthodontic hardware is working to shift your teeth into improved positions. However, you can damage your delicate brackets, wires, and bands without caution. Here’s why avoiding certain foods is essential:
- Prevent damage
- Hard or sticky foods can break or loosen your brackets and wires, leading to extra visits to your orthodontist
- Avoid discomfort
- Food stuck between your braces can cause irritation, injury, or discomfort
- Maintain oral health
- Sticky, sugary, & acidic foods can get trapped between your braces, increasing the risk of cavities & gum issues
By making thoughtful food choices, you can protect your braces and help your treatment stay on track.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Your orthodontist can provide a list of foods to skip while wearing braces. These foods are restricted to help protect your braces from damage and make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean. But to give you a good starting point, here’s a general list of what to avoid.
Hard Foods
Hard foods can break your braces by placing excessive pressure on your brackets and wires. Common culprits include:
- Raw carrots
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes
Tip: If you love crunchy veggies, try cooking them until they’re softer or cutting fruits into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Sticky & Chewy Foods
Sticky foods can cling to your braces and are notoriously challenging to clean off. They can also pull at your hardware, leading to dislodged brackets. Avoid:
- Taffy
- Caramel
- Gum
- Jelly beans
- Gummy candies
Tip: When you crave a sweet treat, try braces-friendly soft desserts like pudding or Jell-O.
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy snacks can get stuck in your braces, causing discomfort and making it more challenging to clean between tight spaces. Examples include:
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Hard taco shells
Tip: Swap crunchy snacks for softer alternatives, such as cucumber slices, hummus with pita bread, or shredded tacos on soft tortillas.
Sugary & Acidic Foods
Sugar feeds the “bad” bacteria in your mouth, and then plaque produces acids that can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth.
Foods high in sugar and acid can increase your chances of cavities, particularly when food particles get trapped around your braces. Be mindful to limit:
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Candy
- Citrus fruits & juices
Tip: Choose water or milk as your go-to beverage, and enjoy low-acid fruits like bananas, dates, or melons for a natural sugar alternative.
What You Can Eat with Braces
Adapting to your new diet doesn’t mean giving up all the foods you love. There are plenty of delicious and braces-friendly options to enjoy while protecting your smile.
Softer Food Options
These foods are naturally gentle on your braces and don’t pose a risk of damage:
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Yogurt
Tips for Modifying Recipes
You can make your favourite recipes braces-friendly with modifications like:
- Slicing & dicing
- Cut hard fruits like apples or pears into thin slices to help make them braces-safe
- Cooking veggies
- Boil or roast vegetables like carrots & broccoli to soften their texture
- Choosing soft bread
- Swap crusty baguettes for softer bread options, like sandwich loaves or wraps
Tips for Eating With Braces
A few smart habits can go a long way in helping you enjoy meals without worrying about your braces:
- Cut it small
- Always cut your food into manageable, bite-sized pieces
- Avoid front teeth biting
- Instead of biting into an apple or sandwich directly, slice snacks & meals into smaller portions first
- Chew slowly
- Take your time & savour when eating to avoid accidentally damaging your braces
If you’re dealing with cravings for crunchy or sticky treats, look for satisfying braces-friendly alternatives. Reward yourself with softer options while keeping that perfect smile in mind!
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Braces
Proper oral hygiene becomes even more critical when you’re wearing braces. Food particles can easily become trapped, so brushing and flossing need extra attention.
Brushing Tips
You can help make your daily brushing easier and more effective by:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
- Brushing after every meal to remove food debris from around your brackets & wires
- Paying attention to the areas around your braces, using small circular motions
Flossing Tricks
Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes can help you clean effectively between your teeth.
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Tip: Rinse your mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash after meals to help remove lingering debris and keep your breath fresh.
What to Do If Your Braces Get Damaged
Even with careful food choices, accidents can happen. If a bracket or wire gets damaged, follow these steps:
- Apply orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges & prevent cuts or irritation
- If you don’t have wax, use gum or gauze to protect the lip from the edges
- Call your orthodontist to schedule a repair as soon as possible
- Don’t wait, as delays can extend your treatment
Protect Your Braces, Enjoy Your Food
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to give up on delicious meals. Following these simple guidelines, you can safeguard your braces, enjoy tasty and soft foods, and stay on track for your straighter smile.
At Orthodontic Smile Studio, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your treatment or crave braces-friendly recipe ideas.
Schedule a consultation with us today. Together, we can help make your orthodontic experience seamless so you can achieve a healthier smile you’ll love.
