Getting braces is an exciting time, but it also comes with some dietary restrictions. With wires and brackets now affixed to your teeth, there are certain foods that can damage braces or get stuck in them. Being mindful of what you eat can help prevent breakage and keep your braces progressing smoothly.
Hard or Crunchy Foods
One of the biggest categories of foods to avoid with braces is anything hard or crunchy. Foods like raw carrots, apples, crackers, nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and ice cubes can all wreak havoc by getting stuck in braces or even breaking the wires. While it’s best to avoid these foods completely, some can be made safer by modifying them. For example, apples can be boiled or baked into softer textures, carrots can be steamed, and nuts can be ground into butters or flours.
Chewy and Sticky Foods
Foods with chewy or sticky textures are equally as problematic for braces. Taffy, caramel, gum, marshmallows, gummy bears, licorice, dried fruits like raisins, and even soft breads and bagels can get stuck in orthodontic appliances. This can bend the wires and also be painful if it pulls on your teeth. Again, it’s best to avoid chewy foods altogether. If you do eat a chewy food, be sure to brush and floss immediately after.
Hard, Crunchy, Chewy, Sticky Foods to Avoid
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- Hard pretzels, chips, crisps
- Beef jerky
- Hard, crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery)
- Whole grapes
- Dried fruits (raisins, dried cranberries, etc.)
- Hard candies, lollipops
- Gum
- Taffy, caramel, gummy bears
- Marshmallows
- Popcorn kernels
- Ice cubes
- Hard, crunchy cereals and granola
- Hard breads and bagels
- Pizza crust
- Hard, crunchy tacos or tostadas
Ice
While ice may seem harmless, ice cubes and other forms of hard ice can actually damage braces. Chewing ice can bend or even break brackets and wires. And beware of frozen foods like popsicles – biting directly into them brings a similar risk. If you want to enjoy chilled treats, allow frozen items to soften a bit first before eating.
Corn on the Cob
Devouring corn on the cob is notoriously difficult to do with braces. Corn kernels easily get wedged into orthodontic appliances, including behind the wires. Your best bet is to cut corn off the cob and eat it this way while wearing braces.
Hard, Crunchy, Chewy Cookies
From chocolate chip to biscotti, many cookies are too hard, crunchy, and chewy to eat safely with braces. Oatmeal cookies and other soft, chewy varieties are less likely to damage wires and brackets. But again, take care when eating any sticky foods, and inspect your braces afterwards to ensure nothing got stuck.
Crusty Bread
Biting into crusty breads, rolls, and bagels can bend or distort wires. The hardened outer layer can also be difficult to fully chew, increasing the chances of it getting lodged in braces. Opt for softer bread options and add a sandwich filling to make it easier to fully bite through.
Crunchy Raw Vegetables
Raw crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, jicama, snap peas, broccoli stems, cauliflower and radishes require too much pressure and crunching to eat with braces. Cooking softens these veggies considerable, making them safer options. Roasting, steaming, sautéing, and braising are all great cooking methods.
Crunchy Raw Fruits
Apples, pears and other raw firm fruits can also be difficult foods for braces wearers. Their crisp textures can bend wires and dislodge brackets. Cooking fruits breaks down some of their structure, but they can also be enjoyed raw if cut into small pieces or pureed into smoothies.
Sticky Rice
Eating sushi rice, sticky short grain rice, and other glutinous rice varieties can tug on wires and get stuck in brackets. Opt for dry, fluffy long grain rice, which is less likely to stick.
Tough Meats
Meats that are tough, such as steak, jerky, and pork, require a lot of chewing that can damage braces. Cut meats into smaller pieces and chew carefully with the back teeth. Moist cooking methods like braising make meats tender.
Hard Tortilla Chips
The brittle texture of tortilla chips, whether regular or made from corn, can wreak havoc as they can easily break brackets and bend wires. Softer pita chips or baked corn chips are safer options.
Popcorn
One of the worst foods for braces is popcorn. Unpopped kernels are extremely hard and can damage wires and brackets. Even popped popcorn can get stuck in braces. When craving popcorn, choose softer microwave popcorn rather than hard popcorn kernels.
Foods to Eat with Braces
While braces limit some foods, there are still many delicious options to enjoy:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked vegetables
- Fruit smoothies
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Soups
- Stews
- Casseroles
- Protein shakes
- Milkshakes
- Jello
- Applesauce
Tips for Eating with Braces
Here are some helpful tips for eating with braces:
- Cut foods into small pieces before eating.
- Chew slowly using your back molars.
- Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth.
- Swish water around your mouth after eating to wash away food particles.
- Be diligent about brushing and flossing after meals.
- Avoid sticky, chewy foods that can loosen wires or bands.
- Steam or cook hard veggies and fruits to soften them.
Potential Problems with Braces from Certain Foods
Here are some issues that can arise if you eat the wrong foods with braces:
- Dislodged brackets – Hard or sticky foods can cause the cement holding brackets to come loose. This delays treatment.
- Bent wires – Crunchy, hard foods can bend orthodontic wires out of place. This also postpones treatment.
- Loose bands – Chewy or sticky foods can unravel orthodontic bands that anchor the wires to your braces.
- Broken appliances – Very hard foods like carrots, nuts, or popcorn can even break brackets, wires, and bands.
- Injuries – Hard foods like apples and ice can injure your mouth if you bite down forcefully.
What to Do if Your Braces Are Damaged
If you notice your braces are damaged in any way, contact your orthodontist right away. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible to have your braces repaired.
Going too long with broken appliances can interrupt and lengthen treatment. It can also lead to tooth decay and permanent damage if wires start poking your gums.
When You Can Eat Normally Again
The food limitations that come with braces are temporary. Once your braces are removed, you can finally eat all the crunchy and sticky foods you’ve missed.
Some guidelines to keep in mind once your braces are off:
- Ease back in – Suddenly eating hard or chewy foods again can cause jaw pain or damage. Start slowly.
- Protect retainers – Continue to moderate sticky sweets, nuts, etc if you have a permanent or removable retainer.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush and floss well to protect your newly straightened teeth.
What to Expect When You First Get Braces
Here’s what you can expect during the first weeks after getting braces:
- Discomfort – Your teeth may feel sore, tender, and ache slightly.
- Rubbing and irritation – Braces take time to get used to. The metal and wires will feel foreign.
- Sore spots – The back of your mouth may develop canker sores as your cheeks get used to the braces.
- Difficulty eating – You’ll need time to adapt your eating to accommodate the braces.
- Extra saliva – Increased saliva is common for the first day or so after getting braces cemented.
The good news is that any discomfort is temporary and will improve within a couple weeks as you adjust.
Caring for Braces
To keep braces clean, functional, and free of damage:
- Brush carefully after eating with a soft toothbrush.
- Floss daily with floss threaders.
- Avoid stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, and berries.
- Use wax to smooth out any sharp edges poking your cheeks.
- Visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments.
Foods Recommended for Braces Wearers
The healthiest and safest foods to eat with braces include:
| Category | Foods to Eat |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Bananas, soft melons, oranges, grapefruit, peeled peaches, nectarines, plums, tropical fruits, applesauce, fruit juice |
| Vegetables | Cooked carrots, green beans, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, peas, lettuce, spinach |
| Grains | Oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, cooked rice, pasta, couscous, quinoa |
| Proteins | Eggs, plain yogurt, smooth nut butters, soft or ground meats, shredded chicken, beans, tofu |
| Dairy | Milk, chocolate milk, pudding, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies |
Conclusion
Having braces requires adjusting your eating habits temporarily. Avoid crunchy, sticky, hard foods that can damage orthodontic appliances. Stick to softer foods that are unlikely to get caught. Take care when chewing and clean braces carefully after eating. With some mindfulness and patience, you can keep braces intact while still enjoying a variety of nutritious foods.