What Foods to Avoid with Braces (and What You Can Eat)

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. But once treatment begins, it’s natural to wonder how braces will affect your diet. While braces are highly effective at correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues, they do require some adjustments in daily eating habits.

Certain foods can damage brackets, wires, or bands, leading to longer treatment times or unexpected repairs. On the other hand, there are plenty of braces-friendly foods that make treatment easier and more comfortable.

Here’s a guide to help you understand which foods to avoid—and which ones to enjoy—while wearing braces.

Why Food Choices Matter with Braces

Braces are strong and durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend, which disrupts the progress of treatment. Food particles can also get trapped in braces, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum problems if not managed properly.

By making smart food choices, you’ll keep your braces intact and your teeth healthier throughout your treatment.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

When you first get braces, your orthodontist will provide a list of foods to stay away from. Here are the main categories to avoid:

Hard Foods

Hard foods can break brackets or bend wires. Common examples include:

• Hard candies — Lollipops, peppermints, and jawbreakers
• Nuts — Almonds, peanuts, or cashews
• Ice — Chewing ice cubes can damage both teeth and braces
• Hard bread crusts — Bagels, French bread, or pizza crust

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can pull at brackets or get stuck between wires, making cleaning difficult. Examples include:

• Chewing gum — Sticks to braces and can distort wires
• Caramel and toffee — Extremely sticky and damaging to brackets
• Gummy candies — Difficult to remove and prone to causing cavities

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods create strain on brackets and wires. Avoid:

• Licorice
• Jerky
• Bagels or chewy rolls

Crunchy Snacks

Snacks that require biting down forcefully can cause damage. These include:

• Popcorn — Kernels can get stuck and damage braces
• Chips — Thick or hard chips may break brackets
• Pretzels — Too hard on wires and brackets

Foods That Require Biting Into

Biting into certain foods can loosen braces, especially front brackets. Examples:

• Corn on the cob — Eat off the cob instead
• Apples — Slice into small, bite-sized pieces
• Carrots — Best eaten cooked or shredded
• Ribs or chicken wings — Remove meat from the bone before eating

Foods You Can Eat with Braces

Fortunately, braces don’t mean giving up all your favorite foods. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious and healthy options.

Soft Foods

• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Smoothies

Dairy Products

• Cheese
• Soft-serve ice cream
• Pudding

Fruits and Vegetables

• Bananas, grapes, and berries — Naturally soft
• Steamed vegetables — Carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are easier when cooked
• Apples and pears — Slice into thin pieces instead of biting directly

Grains and Breads

• Pasta and noodles
• Soft tortillas
• Pancakes and muffins

Protein Options

• Soft-cooked chicken or fish
• Meatballs
• Tofu
• Eggs

Tips for Eating Comfortably with Braces

• Cut food into smaller pieces — Make foods easier to chew and safer for braces.
• Avoid biting with front teeth — Use side teeth for tougher foods.
• Rinse after meals — Helps clear away stuck food particles.
• Carry a travel toothbrush — Keeping braces clean prevents cavities and staining.
• Stick to water — Sugary drinks can cause plaque buildup around brackets.

The First Few Days with Braces

When you first get braces, your mouth may feel sore for a few days as it adjusts. During this time, stick to very soft foods, such as:

• Applesauce
• Mashed bananas
• Soups
• Rice
• Soft bread
• Smoothies

As soreness fades, you can reintroduce a wider variety of foods, keeping in mind which ones to avoid.

Balancing Nutrition During Braces

It’s important not to sacrifice nutrition while adjusting to a braces-friendly diet. Focus on meals that include:

• Protein for strength and repair
• Calcium-rich foods for bone health
• Fruits and vegetables for vitamins and fiber
• Whole grains for long-lasting energy

Maintaining a balanced diet will help your teeth and body stay healthy during treatment.

Making Braces Work for You

Living with braces does mean making a few dietary changes, but it doesn’t mean giving up delicious meals altogether. By avoiding foods that can damage brackets and focusing on braces-friendly alternatives, you’ll keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to a straighter smile, 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA, offers expert care for children, teens, and adults. Our team will guide you through every step of treatment, including tips for eating and living comfortably with braces.

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.