Foods to Avoid with Braces: What to Eat and What to Skip
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthy, confident smile – but it also comes with a few dietary changes. Knowing the foods to avoid with braces can help you protect your investment and avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist. Whether you’re new to metal braces or just need a refresher, we’ve got your back with this guide to braces care tips, including what to eat and what to skip.
Why Food Matters When You Have Braces
Braces are strong – but not invincible. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or get stuck in your braces, making cleaning more difficult and potentially causing delays in your treatment. That’s why eating with braces means making smart choices every day.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Here’s a list of common foods to steer clear of to keep your treatment on track:
Sticky Foods
Caramel
Taffy
Chewing gum Sticky foods can cling to brackets and wires, making them hard to clean and increasing the risk of cavities.
Granola Bars
Hard Foods
Popcorn
Nuts
Ice
Hard candies These can break brackets or wires – and nobody wants an emergency appointment.
Crunchy Foods
Raw carrots
Apples (unless cut into small pieces)
Hard Chips
Pretzels Crunchy foods put too much pressure on your braces and can lead to damage if not eaten carefully.
Chewy Foods
Bagels
Licorice
Tough meats Chewy foods can pull at brackets and get lodged between your braces and teeth.
Braces-Friendly Foods to Eat Instead
Now for the good news – there are still plenty of delicious and satisfying foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.
Soft Fruits and Veggies
Bananas
Steamed broccoli
Avocados
Applesauce
Dairy
Yogurt
Cheese
Milkshakes (no straws if you’ve just had adjustments)
Protein
Eggs
Soft-cooked chicken
Tofu
Meatballs
Grains and Carbs
Pasta
Rice
Soft bread
Pancakes
Treats
Pudding
Ice cream (without nuts or hard toppings)
Smoothies
These options are easy to chew, gentle on your brackets, and simple to clean up afterward.
Extra Braces Care Tips for Mealtimes
Taking care of your braces while eating goes beyond just avoiding certain foods. Here are a few bonus tips to keep in mind:
Cut food into small pieces: Even safe foods should be bite-sized to reduce stress on your braces.
Chew with your back teeth: This helps avoid pressure on your front brackets.
Brush and floss after meals: Keeping your teeth and braces clean is essential for your oral health.
Carry a braces care kit: A travel toothbrush, floss picks, and orthodontic wax can come in handy.
Trust Westside Orthodontics for Your Braces Journey
At Westside Orthodontics, we want your experience with metal braces to be as smooth and successful as possible. By following these braces care tips and knowing the foods to avoid with braces, you’ll set yourself up for the best results and a beautiful, healthy smile.
Need more personalized guidance? Book an appointment with us today – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
