What to Eat with Braces: A Guide to Braces-Friendly Foods

A beautiful smile can be achieved with braces, but having braces can leave you asking, really, what can you eat?

When you first get braces, your diet needs a few adjustments. The wrong foods can cause discomfort and even damage your braces, potentially extending your treatment time. But don’t worry; you can still enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying foods.

This guide will walk you through the best and worst foods for your braces, and offer practical tips to help you maintain a braces-friendly diet. Whether you’re looking for meal ideas or simply trying to avoid a dental emergency, we’ve got you covered.

Why Your Diet Matters with Braces?

Impact on Oral Health:
The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your oral health, especially with braces. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage brackets, wires, and other components, leading to costly repairs and longer treatment times.

For instance, biting into a hard apple or chewing on sticky candy might dislodge a bracket or bend a wire, setting back your progress. This is why it’s essential to choose foods that won’t put unnecessary stress on your braces.

Comfort and Healing:
Braces can cause some discomfort, particularly after adjustments. Eating soft foods can help ease this discomfort and promote healing.

Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are gentle on your teeth and gums, making them ideal choices after a tightening session. Soft foods reduce the strain on your braces, allowing your mouth to recover more quickly from any soreness or sensitivity.

Avoiding Emergencies:
Eating the wrong foods can lead to orthodontic emergencies, such as broken brackets or bent wires. These emergencies are painful and also delay your treatment.

Foods like nuts, popcorn, and chewy candies are common culprits that can cause such issues. By sticking to braces-friendly options, you reduce the risk of these problems, ensuring that your journey to a beautiful smile stays on track.

Braces-Friendly Foods

Soft Foods:

When you have braces, soft foods become your best friend. They are easy to chew and won’t put undue pressure on your brackets or wires.

• Dairy:
  Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and smoothies are excellent choices. They are rich in calcium, which supports your dental health, and they’re gentle on your teeth. Yogurt, particularly, is versatile—you can enjoy it plain or mix in some soft fruits like bananas or berries.
• Fruits:
  Soft fruits are a great way to get your daily vitamins without risking damage to your braces. Bananas, applesauce, and berries are all gentle on your teeth and easy to eat. If you crave apples or pears, consider slicing them into small, thin pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.
• Vegetables:
  Cooked or steamed vegetables are the way to go when you have braces. Carrots, spinach, and zucchini become much easier to eat once they are cooked. These veggies are nutritious and also provide a variety of textures and flavors to keep your meals interesting.
• Proteins:
  Soft meats like chicken, fish, and eggs are perfect protein sources that won’t strain your braces. Chicken and fish are especially easy to chew when cooked properly. Eggs, whether scrambled, boiled, or poached, are also excellent for a braces-friendly diet.
• Grains:
  Soft grains like pasta, rice, oatmeal, and soft bread are staples in a braces-friendly diet. These foods are filling and easy to prepare in a variety of ways. Pasta can be paired with a soft sauce, while oatmeal can be customized with fruits and spices for a delicious breakfast option.

Snacks and Treats:

Just because you have affordable braces does not mean you have to skip out on snacks and treats. There are plenty of options that are safe to eat.

• Pudding:
  Pudding is a classic, braces-friendly treat that comes in a variety of flavors. It’s smooth, creamy, and satisfying.
• Ice Cream:
  Ice cream is another great treat, but be sure to choose varieties without nuts, hard chocolate chunks, or sticky toppings. A simple vanilla scoop or a soft serve can be a refreshing and safe choice.
• Jell-O:
  Jell-O is soft, easy to eat, and comes in various flavors, making it a fun and safe option for those with braces.

Foods to Avoid

Sticky and Chewy Foods:
Sticky and chewy foods are among the biggest culprits when it comes to damaging braces. Items like caramel, gum, and taffy can get stuck in your braces and be incredibly difficult to clean out.

These foods can also pull on your brackets and wires, leading to potential damage. It is best to avoid these entirely to prevent unnecessary trips to the orthodontist.

Hard and Crunchy Foods:
Hard and crunchy foods are another category to avoid. Nuts, popcorn, and hard candy can easily break brackets or bend wires.

Even seemingly harmless foods like raw carrots or whole apples can pose a risk. If you really want to enjoy these foods, consider finding softer alternatives or preparing them in a way that is easier to eat, like slicing apples into thin pieces.

Sugary Foods:
Sugary foods can be problematic because they increase the risk of cavities, especially when you have braces. The brackets and wires create more surfaces where plaque can build up, making it easier for cavities to form.

While it is okay to enjoy a sweet treat occasionally, be mindful of how much sugar you are consuming, and always brush your teeth afterward to remove any residue.

Other Risky Foods:
Some foods are risky simply because of the way they are eaten. Corn on the cob, for example, requires biting directly into it, which can put stress on your braces. Tough meats can also be challenging, as they require a lot of chewing.

Whole apples, as mentioned earlier, should be sliced rather than bitten into. By preparing these foods differently, you can still enjoy them without risking damage to your braces.

Choosing the right foods when you have braces is essential for your oral health and the success of your treatment. By sticking to braces-friendly foods and avoiding those that can cause damage, you can make your journey to a perfect smile smoother and more enjoyable.

With a few adjustments to your diet, you will find that there are still plenty of delicious options available to you. Remember, taking care of your braces now will lead to a beautiful, healthy smile in the future.

FAQs

How long will I need to wear braces?

The length of time you will need to wear braces varies depending on your specific dental issues. On average, most people wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Your orthodontist will give you a more precise timeline based on your treatment plan.

Will braces hurt?

It is normal to experience some discomfort, especially after getting your braces or following an adjustment. This usually lasts a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Soft foods and cold treats like ice cream can also help soothe any soreness.

How long do I need to be careful about what I eat after getting braces?

It is important to be careful with your food choices throughout your entire orthodontic treatment. However, the first few days after getting braces or after an adjustment can be particularly sensitive, so stick to softer foods during these times.

Are there any fruits I should avoid with braces?

Avoid biting directly into hard fruits like apples and pears, as they can damage your braces. Instead, cut them into small, manageable pieces. Softer fruits like bananas, berries, and peaches are safer options.

What should I do if I accidentally eat something hard and it damages my braces?

If you accidentally eat something hard and notice damage to your braces, such as a broken bracket or bent wire, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule a repair. In the meantime, avoid further damage by sticking to soft foods.