Wearing braces can be a great way to improve your smile, but eating with them can be difficult because your mouth adjusts to the changes from your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth and gums may feel sore or sensitive during the adjustment.
After the first few days or weeks, you’ll have less sensitivity and be able to eat a broader range of foods. However, you’ll still need to be careful about what and how you eat with braces.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t eat while wearing braces, along with tips on how to make eating easier during your treatment.
Best Foods to Eat When You Have Braces
The best foods to eat when you have braces are those that are soft, don’t require extensive chewing, and aren’t sticky. Your orthodontist will likely have diet recommendations, and following them helps protect your braces and avoid discomfort.
The first few days after you get braces are the most crucial. Your teeth will feel highly sensitive, and certain foods can even harm or break your braces during this time.
Here are some soft foods we recommend for when you first get your braces:
- Soups
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt, ice cream, and other soft dairy products
- Oatmeal, pasta, and other soft cereal products
- Soft vegetables, such as mashed potatoes
- Soft fruits, such as bananas
- Soft cheeses
Your teeth will gradually adjust over time, but try to stick to foods that don’t cling to your teeth. After the first few days go by, you may be able to start eating:
- Chewier cuts of meat
- Soft bread
- Citrus fruits
Even as you begin to reintroduce some of these foods, exercise caution. You can also try cutting your food into smaller pieces. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop eating the food immediately.
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What Can’t You Eat with Braces?
You should avoid hard and sticky foods altogether while wearing braces. They can become stuck around the wires and damage them. A tough piece of food may even cause a bracket to break off.
Foods to avoid while you have braces include:
- Hard, tough, or sticky candy
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Crunchy foods like chips, pretzels, and similar snacks
- Nuts
- Harder pieces of bread, such as bagels and pizza crusts
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables
You should also avoid chewing on ice or sugary gum. However, many orthodontists say that sugar-free gum is safe to chew with braces and may even help prevent tooth decay.
Be careful with acidic foods and drinks like coffee, fruit juices, vinegar, and even yogurt. A study found that these products, especially coffee, can cause braces to release small amounts of metal.
Risks of Eating Sticky or Hard Foods with Braces
According to Dr. Nandita Lilly, “Hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods can break brackets, wires, bands, and appliances, resulting in additional costs and increased treatment time.”
Sticky food may also be difficult to dislodge with regular brushing. If it stays in your mouth for too long, it will attract bacteria and contribute to tooth decay.
You can maintain your braces by avoiding foods likely to get stuck in them. You’ll also avoid hassle and frustration when brushing your teeth.
How Long Will It Take to Eat Normally with Braces?
It typically takes about a week to adjust to eating with braces. Once you feel comfortable, you can start eating more types of food.
You won’t be able to eat like you would without braces, though. You’ll need to chew slowly, cut food into bite-sized pieces, and avoid sticky foods.
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Meal and Snack Ideas for People with Braces
The list of foods you can’t eat while you have braces might feel restrictive. However, you can enjoy plenty of meals and snacks while keeping your braces and teeth safe.
Meals you can safely eat with braces include:
- Soft tacos
- Mac and cheese
- Steamed vegetables
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
Some braces-friendly snacks include:
- Protein smoothies
- Soft pretzels
- Soft cookies and baked goods
- Applesauce or fruit cups
Keep in mind that not all safe foods are equal in nutritional value. Ice cream and soft pastries may be convenient, but they are also high in sugar and low in essential nutrients.
Soups and smoothies are easy to eat and have nutritional benefits, such as protein and micronutrients. Consuming foods like these during braces treatment can make things easier on your mouth while still getting the nutrients you need. You’ll also avoid relying too heavily on sugary foods that can contribute to cavities.
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Tips on How to Make Eating Easier with Braces
You’ll still need to be careful about eating with braces, even after the initial adjustment period ends. You must protect your braces from damage and ensure food isn’t trapped around the brackets and wires.
Here are some good rules for eating throughout your braces treatment:
- Avoid tough foods — Hard or sticky foods can damage or get caught in your braces. Continue to avoid problem foods until you get your braces off.
- Chew carefully — Take small, careful bites when you eat. Chewing slowly can help break food down so it doesn’t get trapped in your braces.
- Prepare your food before eating it — Cut chewy foods into bite-sized pieces to make them easier to chew.
- Don’t eat anything you have to bite into — Food like apples, pizza crusts, corn on the cob, and meat off the bone require biting into, which can damage your braces.
What Should You Do When You Eat Out?
Don’t let your braces hold you back from enjoying meals with friends and family. With a bit of planning and the right strategies, you can confidently navigate social situations and enjoy those dining experiences.
Here are some of our tips to help you when you eat out:
- Pay attention to the cuisine — Look for cuisines that naturally feature softer foods, such as Italian (pasta dishes), Japanese (sushi or teriyaki bowls), or Thai (curries with tender meats and rice).
- Scan the menu beforehand — Identify dishes that are easy to eat with braces. Look for items that are cooked, soft, and don’t require excessive chewing.
- Ask for modifications — Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications to make a dish more brace-friendly. Request that vegetables be cooked longer, meat be cut into smaller pieces, or sauces be served on the side.
- Pack an oral hygiene kit — Carry a small traveling kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss so you can discreetly clean your teeth after eating.
- Use a straw — Using a straw for drinks can help minimize contact with your teeth and braces, reducing the chance of staining or discomfort.
We also recommend considering restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere where you won’t feel rushed or self-conscious about taking your time to eat.
Open communication is key to navigating social situations with braces. Let your friends and family know about your dietary restrictions. Most people will be understanding and accommodating.
If someone is hosting a gathering, offer suggestions for brace-friendly dishes or snacks. You can also bring a dish that you know is safe for your braces to share with everyone.
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Need to go to the dentist but don’t know where to start? Let an expert at 1-800-DENTIST do all the work for you. They’ll even stay on the line and help you schedule an appointment.
Call (866) 387-3513