What Foods to Eat and Avoid with Braces

It can be difficult figuring out what you can and can’t eat when you have braces. A lot of the foods and drinks you previously consumed can now damage the brackets and wires of your newfound braces. To help make life easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of foods and drinks you can and cannot have with braces.

What Can You Eat with Braces?

These are some of the soft and easy to chew foods to eat with braces:

• Baked Goods – Soft Breads, Muffins, Tortilla Wraps, Cakes, Pancakes
• Dairy – Yogurt, Soft Cheeses, Pudding,
• Spreads – Pâté, Jams & Preserves
• Seafood (without bones) – Tuna, Salmon, etc
• Fruit – Bananas, Melons, Grapes, Oranges, Kiwi
• Grains – Rice, Pasta, Noodles
• Vegetables – Mashed or Boiled Potatoes, Steamed Spinach, Beans
• Desserts (low in sugar): Ice Cream, Pudding, Jellies, Ice Lollies,
• Easy to chew meats such as Poultry, Lunch Meats or Meatballs
• Eggs
• Soups
• Jelly and Ice Cream
• Sushi

Eating with braces can be a challenge. Traditional metal braces and especially twin block braces require careful consideration of food choices to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, offers much more flexibility. Since the aligners are removable, you can enjoy your favorite foods without restriction. Simply remove the aligners before eating, brush your teeth, and then put them back in.

Can You Eat Chocolate and Sweets with Braces?

Yes, you can eat some chocolates with braces, but in strict moderation and only during meal times. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to go for options that are low in sugar. Sweets, on the other hand, should be avoided.

Can You Eat Ice Cream With Braces?

Yes, you can eat ice cream with braces. But, be careful as your teeth may be extra sensitive when you first get your braces.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

You should avoid these hard, sticky, and chewy foods with braces:

• Nuts
• Ice
• Tough Crusts or breads
• Liquorice and Caramels
• Popcorn
• Corn on the cob
• Chewing gum
• Whole apples
• Chewy Candies
• Hard candies
• Chips or crunchy snacks
• Pretzels
• Raw vegetables (like carrots or celery)
• Meat on the bone (like ribs or chicken wings)

These foods can damage wires and brackets and, in some cases, cause an orthodontic emergency. If this occurs, and you don’t immediately see an orthodontist to get it repaired, your treatment time may be lengthened.

When it comes to hard foods like certain fruits, cut it into smaller bite-size pieces to minimise biting with your front teeth. Instead, you should chew with your back teeth, as to not put a strain on your braces. It is also important to cut down on foods high in sugar content, like ice cream, cookies and sugary drinks.

Drinks to Avoid with Braces

• Fizzy Drinks
• Carbonated Drinks
• Natural Fruit Juices
• Energy Drinks
• Sports Drinks

Can You Drink Fizzy Drinks or Soda with Braces?

Sodas and other fizzy drinks are usually high in sugar and can be acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and erosion. They can also stain your teeth.

Fizzy drinks along with coffee and tea should be avoided if you have braces. If you do wish to continue consuming these types of beverages, we recommend that you use a straw to minimize any contact between the drink and your teeth.

What Can I Drink with Braces?

• Still Water
• Milk Products
• Smoothies
• Low Sugar Drinks

It will take you longer to brush your teeth with braces, so it would be ideal to have a balanced diet that is low in sugar. This will help minimize the buildup of plaque on both your teeth and orthodontic appliances.

How Long After Getting Braces Can You Eat Normal Foods?

Your teeth may be a little tender for the first week while in braces, so we recommend sticking to just soft foods until the discomfort subsides. This is easier to do if you’re an adult with braces but for children, it can be harder to avoid temptation.

Life with braces doesn’t have to be a chore and your diet doesn’t have to suffer for it. Just be sure to brush at least twice a day, floss often and be aware of what you eat.

If you would like to speak to one of our orthodontists about your braces, or you would like to get braces, book an appointment now by calling us on 020 3733 4187. Alternatively, you can visit our contact us page for more options.

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