The Best Foods to Eat (and Avoid) With Braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter smile — but it does come with a bit of an adjustment period, especially when it comes to food. The good news? Most of your favorite meals are still on the table. You'll just want to be mindful of a few categories, especially during the first week.
Here's your complete guide to eating comfortably and protecting your braces.
The First Few Days: Stick to Soft Foods
Right after getting braces (or after an adjustment), your teeth and gums may feel tender. This is completely normal and usually fades within a few days. During this time, soft foods are your best friend:
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Smoothies
Scrambled eggs
Soup (not too hot)
Oatmeal
Soft pasta
Pudding or applesauce
These foods require minimal chewing and won't put pressure on sensitive teeth.
Foods to Avoid Entirely While Wearing Braces
Some foods can damage brackets and wires, leading to extra appointments and slower progress. It's best to avoid these for the entire duration of your treatment:
Hard Foods
Ice (chewing on ice is one of the most common causes of broken brackets)
Nuts
Hard candy
Whole apples or carrots (cut into smaller pieces instead)
Popcorn (kernels can get lodged in brackets and wires)
Sticky Foods
Caramel
Taffy
Chewing gum
Gummy candy
Dried fruit (like raisins)
Crunchy Foods
Chips
Pretzels
Hard taco shells
Crusty bread
Foods That Are Totally Fine
Don't worry — braces don't mean a boring diet. Plenty of foods are completely safe:
Pasta and rice dishes
Soft-cooked meats (shredded chicken, ground beef)
Steamed or roasted vegetables
Soft fruits (bananas, berries, melon)
Sandwiches (cut into smaller bites)
Pancakes and waffles
Cheese
Smoothies and milkshakes
Tips for Eating Comfortably With Braces
Cut food into smaller pieces. This reduces the pressure needed to chew and minimizes the risk of damaging brackets.
Chew slowly and on both sides. This distributes pressure evenly and reduces strain.
Avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods. If you're eating an apple, slice it first. If you're eating pizza crust, consider tearing it into smaller pieces.
Stay hydrated and rinse after meals. Food particles can get stuck more easily with braces — rinsing with water after eating helps keep things clean between brushings.
Keep a travel dental kit handy. A small toothbrush, floss threaders, and orthodontic wax (for any irritation) can make eating on the go much easier.
What If Something Gets Stuck?
It happens to everyone — a piece of food gets wedged between a wire and a tooth. Try:
Rinsing with warm salt water
Gently using a floss threader or interdental brush
Avoiding picking at it with sharp objects, which can damage your braces
If a bracket or wire becomes loose or broken, don't try to fix it yourself — give our office a call so we can take a look.
A Little Adjustment Goes a Long Way
Most patients find that after the first week or two, eating with braces becomes second nature. The key is being mindful of the "avoid" list and taking a little extra care with how you eat — not eliminating entire categories of food from your life.
Questions About Your Treatment?
If you're considering braces or already have them and have questions about your specific care plan, Dr. Lindsay Orthodontics in Weston, FL is here to help. We're happy to give you personalized tips based on your treatment and lifestyle.
Schedule a complimentary consultation if you're just getting started, or give our office a call if you're a current patient with questions.
