Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile, but it does require some adjustments—especially when it comes to your diet. Certain foods can damage your braces, while others can help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. We’ll go over which foods you should enjoy and which to avoid while wearing braces.
Foods to Eat with Braces
While braces can limit your food choices, there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious options you can enjoy. The key is to choose soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t damage your brackets or wires.
1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables can be tough on braces, but softer alternatives provide the nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay strong. Some great options include:
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Avocados
- Cooked carrots
- Steamed broccoli
- Mashed potatoes
2. Dairy Products
Dairy is not only soft and easy to eat, but it also provides calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen your teeth. Good dairy choices include:
- Yogurt (especially Greek yogurt)
- Soft cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese
- Milk and smoothies
3. Soft Grains
Grains are an essential part of your diet, and with braces, it’s best to stick to softer options like:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Soft tortillas
- Oatmeal
4. Tender Meats and Protein Sources
Meats can be tricky with braces, as tough cuts may require excessive chewing. Stick to softer, easy-to-eat proteins such as:
- Shredded chicken
- Ground turkey or beef
- Soft fish (salmon, tilapia, cod)
- Scrambled eggs
- Tofu
5. Soft Snacks and Treats
You don’t have to give up all treats while wearing braces! Some braces-friendly snacks include:
- Applesauce
- Pudding
- Ice cream (without nuts or hard toppings)
- Soft muffins
- Peanut butter (smooth, not crunchy)
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods can cause serious problems for braces, leading to broken brackets, bent wires, or even delaying your treatment. Here are the biggest culprits:
1. Hard and Crunchy Foods
These foods can damage braces and even cause brackets to pop off. Avoid:
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Ice (chewing on ice is especially harmful)
- Hard taco shells
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. Some of the worst offenders include:
- Gum (even sugar-free gum)
- Caramel
- Chewy candies like taffy or gummy bears
- Licorice
3. Foods That Require Biting into with Front Teeth
Certain foods require you to take big bites, which can put pressure on your front brackets and cause them to loosen. Avoid:
- Whole apples (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Corn on the cob (remove the kernels before eating)
- Raw carrots (steam or cut them into bite-sized pieces)
- Hard bread like baguettes or bagels
4. Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar contributes to plaque buildup, which is harder to clean around braces. Try to limit:
- Soda
- Sugary juices
- Candy
- Sports drinks
Tips for Eating with Braces
Now that you know what foods to eat and avoid, here are a few extra tips to make eating with braces easier:
- Cut food into small pieces: Instead of biting directly into food, cut it into bite-sized portions to reduce pressure on your braces.
- Chew with your back teeth: Using your molars rather than your front teeth can help prevent damage to your brackets.
- Rinse after eating: Since braces can trap food, rinsing with water or using mouthwash can help keep your teeth clean.
- Use a straw for sugary drinks: If you must have soda or juice, use a straw to limit the amount of sugar exposure on your teeth.
How We Can Help
At My LA Braces, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible orthodontic results. If you have any concerns about your diet, cleaning routine, or general care for your braces, our team is here to provide expert advice.
We offer personalized orthodontic treatment for kids, teens, and adults, including braces and Invisalign, to give you a beautiful, confident smile. As the highest-ranked orthodontic office in East Los Angeles, we’re proud to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey.
If you have questions or need assistance, schedule an appointment with My LA Braces today!