What Can I Eat & Not Eat with Braces?
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Deciding to get dental braces to straighten teeth is a big step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, it comes with certain lifestyle adjustments, especially when it comes to your diet. Knowing what you can eat and not eat with braces is essential to protect your teeth and braces while ensuring a smooth orthodontic journey. Let’s dive into a complete guide on what to eat with braces, what not to eat with braces, and how to make mealtimes easier.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
There are plenty of delicious options you can still enjoy with braces. The key is choosing soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t damage your brackets or wires. Here are safe food options to enjoy with braces:
1. Dairy Products
- Yogurt: Smooth, creamy, and braces-friendly.
- Soft Cheese: Mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.
- Milk and Milkshakes: Packed with calcium and smooth on your teeth.
2. Grains and Soft Breads
- Cooked Pasta: Macaroni, spaghetti, and penne cooked until soft.
- Soft Bread: Avoid crusty bread, but enjoy pancakes, muffins (without nuts), and tortillas.
- Rice and Quinoa: Fully cooked and fluffy.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
- Bananas, Berries, Melons: Naturally soft and braces-friendly.
- Applesauce: An excellent substitute for hard raw apples.
- Steamed or Boiled Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, spinach, and potatoes.
4. Proteins
- Tender Meats: Chicken, turkey, meatballs, and ground beef cooked until soft.
- Fish and Seafood: Salmon, tuna, tilapia, and crab cakes.
- Eggs: Scrambled, poached, or boiled.
5. Snacks and Treats
- Pudding, Jell-O, Ice Cream: Soft and satisfying.
- Smoothies: Blended with soft fruits and yogurt for added nutrients.
- Soft Cookies and Cakes: Avoid those with nuts or hard toppings.
What Can You Not Eat with Braces?
Some foods can harm your braces, causing broken brackets, bent wires, or trapped food. Here’s a list of what not to eat with braces:
1. Hard and Crunchy Foods
- Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, and cashews are too hard on braces.
- Popcorn: Kernels can get stuck and break brackets.
- Hard Vegetables: Raw carrots, celery—opt for cooked versions instead.
- Chips and Hard Pretzels: These can break wires or loosen brackets.
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods
- Caramel, Taffy, Gummy Bears: These sticky treats can pull at wires and brackets.
- Chewing Gum: Even sugar-free options should be avoided.
- Toffees and Fruit Snacks: Difficult to remove from braces and increase the risk of cavities.
3. Foods That Require Biting Into
- Whole Apples and Pears: Slice them into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Corn on the Cob: Cut the kernels off to enjoy safely.
- Hard Rolls and Bagels: Tear into smaller bites instead of biting directly.
4. Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks
- Soda and Sugary Drinks: These increase the risk of cavities around braces.
- Candy and Sweet Treats: High sugar content encourages plaque buildup.
- Citrus Fruits and Juices: Limit acidic options like lemons and oranges to prevent enamel erosion.
What Candy Can You Eat with Braces?
While it’s best to avoid sticky and hard candies, you can still enjoy:
- Chocolate Bars (without nuts or caramel): Soft and melts in your mouth.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Soft enough for braces, but always brush after.
- Soft Mints: If they dissolve easily, they may be acceptable in moderation.
Safe Foods for Your First Week with Braces
The first week with braces can be uncomfortable as your mouth adjusts. Stick to extra soft and soothing foods:
- Soups and Broths: Warm and comforting.
- Mashed Potatoes: Soft, easy to swallow, and gentle on your teeth.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft and full of protein.
- Smoothies and Milkshakes: Cool and packed with nutrients.
- Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat: Soft, warm, and filling.
Tips for Braces-Friendly Eating
Here’s how to make mealtimes easier and protect your braces:
Cut Foods into Small Pieces: Reduces strain on brackets.
Chew with Your Molars: Avoid biting with your front teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss after every meal to remove trapped food.
Stay Hydrated: Water helps rinse away food particles and sugars.
Consult Your Orthodontist: If you’re unsure about a food, ask first.
Remember:
- Enjoy soft, braces-friendly foods like yogurt, eggs, soft fruits, and pasta.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and sugary foods that can damage braces.
- During the first week, focus on extra soft foods to minimize discomfort.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Conclusion
Adjusting your diet during your orthodontic treatment is key to keeping your braces in top shape and achieving a stunning smile. Stick to these eating tips to make your braces experience easier and more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies.
Yes, but only soft ones like chocolate. Avoid hard and sticky candies.
Skip hard, crunchy, sticky, and sugary foods.
Brush and floss thoroughly after every meal.
