Let’s talk about food and braces! If you ask anyone who just had their braces removed they may tell you they missed eating some of their favorite things during the process.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Popcorn & Ice
- Caramel & Chewing Gum
- Hard Candy & Chewy Candy
- Corn on the Cob, Apples, Carrots
- Bagels & Rolls
- Crunchy Veggies & Fruits
- Crackers, Pretzels, Chips
- It can also be wise to avoid sodas and sugary drinks or treats that can build up plaque on your teeth. Although brushing removes plaque, thorough brushing becomes a lot more difficult with braces on your teeth.
Avoid hard foods, or foods you have to bite into. Braces can be damaged or come loose by chewing on these substances. You should also avoid chewing mindlessly on things like pens or other hard objects which can also hurt your orthodontic work. Some of these foods (popcorn) can also get stuck in your braces and become very uncomfortable–even painful. It’s best to avoid these foods if possible. The teeth movement process can be long. You don’t want to repeatedly damage your brackets and slow the process more.
When you first get braces placed on your teeth, you may prefer to eat softer foods. During the whole teeth moving process we compiled a list of foods to avoid to keep your braces intact. Here are some ideas for foods to eat after getting your braces put on or adjusted. Don’t worry! The discomfort with tougher foods will pass after a few days. Hang in there!
Easy Foods to Eat with Braces
- Yogurt
- Soups
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Mashed Potatoes
- Scrambled Eggs
- Softs Fruits & Cheeses
- Cooked Veggies
We hope these lists help you choose the right foods after you get braces, and the foods to avoid during the process. We wish you luck during this exciting time! If you have any questions about food and braces ask Dr. Brown or Dr. McMinn at Idaho Orthodontics.
Related posts: Up in Smoke: Oral Health Consequences of Smoking & Vaping | The Benefits Of Clear Braces Vs. Metal
Related Questions
What foods should I avoid when I have braces?
You’ll want to stay away from hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. That includes popcorn, ice, caramel, chewing gum, hard or chewy candies, corn on the cob, whole apples and raw carrots, bagels, crusty rolls, pretzels, chips, and crunchy crackers. These foods can damage your braces or get painfully stuck around them, which can slow down your treatment.
Can I still drink soda or sugary drinks with braces?
You can, but it’s not a good idea. Sodas, sports drinks, and sugary beverages can cause plaque buildup and cavities, especially around brackets where brushing is harder. If you do have something sugary, rinse with water afterward and brush as soon as you can—but for the healthiest smile, water and milk are the best choices during braces.
What are some good foods to eat right after getting braces or an adjustment?
Right after getting braces on—or after an adjustment—your teeth may feel tender, so soft foods are your best friend. Great options include yogurt, soups, oatmeal, pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft fruits and cheeses, and cooked veggies. These are easier to chew and help you stay comfortable while your teeth are adjusting.
Can I ever eat crunchy or chewy foods with braces, or are they off-limits the whole time?
Most very hard or sticky foods should be avoided for the entire time you have braces to protect your brackets and wires. However, you can still enjoy some favorites by modifying how you eat them—for example, cutting apples or carrots into small, bite-sized pieces and chewing with your back teeth. If you’re not sure about a specific food, ask Dr. Brown or Dr. McMinn, and they’ll help you find a braces-safe way to enjoy it.
.png)
.svg)
