Braces Oral health

What Can I Eat With Braces?

Dr. Sangeetha Varadharajan

B.D.S Dental Professional

April 18,2025

Braces are an effective way to align your teeth and enhance your smile, but they come with certain challenges, especially when it comes to eating. Some foods can damage brackets and wires, so it’s important to make mindful food choices. In this blog, we’ll cover the foods that are safe to eat with braces, as well as the ones to avoid, particularly during the first week after getting braces and following adjustments.

What to Eat With Braces the First Week

The first week with braces can be uncomfortable, as your teeth may feel sore and sensitive. To ease this discomfort, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing.

Foods to consider:

• Mashed potatoes
  
• Yogurt
  
• Smoothies
  
• Soft rice
  
• Scrambled eggs
  
• Applesauce
  

Cold foods like ice cream can help soothe any soreness in your mouth. Avoid anything too hard or crunchy, as it can place unnecessary pressure on your braces.

Foods You Can Eat With Braces

Once you get past the initial discomfort, you can enjoy a variety of foods that won’t damage your braces.

Here’s a list of safe foods:

• Cooked vegetables (soft and tender)
  
• Soft rice and pasta
  
• Soft cheeses
  
• Ripe fruits like bananas
  
• Fish (salmon or other tender varieties)
  
• Tender chicken (shredded or cooked until soft)
  

Snacks to eat with braces:

• Pudding
  
• Soft granola bars (without nuts)
  
• Muffins (without hard crust)
  
• Soft tortilla wraps
  

These foods provide the nutrients your body needs while being gentle on your braces.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can be a threat to your braces. These foods could break the brackets or dislodge the wires.

Avoid these foods:

• Nuts and popcorn
  
• Ice
  
• Chewy or sticky candies
  
• Hard chips
  
• Raw vegetables like carrots or apples (unless cut into small pieces)
  
• Crusty bread
  

It’s important to be cautious, especially during the first few weeks when your braces are most vulnerable to damage.

What Candy Can You Eat With Braces?

Candies like toffee or caramel can be a nightmare for braces. Stick to soft options instead.

Safe choices:

• Soft chocolate (without nuts)
  
• Marshmallows
  
• Peanut butter cups
  

These candies are less likely to cause damage. Just be cautious of anything that’s sticky or chewy, as it can get stuck in the brackets and wires.

Common Food Questions With Braces

Can You Eat Chips With Braces?

While chips are tempting, hard chips can cause damage to your braces. If you want chips, opt for softer varieties like Pringles or veggie straws. These are gentler on your braces and still satisfy your snack cravings.

Can You Eat Pizza With Braces?

Yes, you can eat pizza, but it’s best to avoid thick crusts and hard toppings. A thin crust with soft toppings is safer.

Can You Eat Steak With Braces?
Steak can be tough to chew, especially with braces. Choose tender cuts and cut them into small, soft pieces to make them easier to eat.

Can You Eat Chicken With Braces?
Yes, as long as it’s shredded or cooked until soft. Avoid hard or crispy chicken skin.

Can You Eat Cereal With Braces?
Only soft cereals or those soaked in milk. Crunchy cereals can be too hard on your braces and may damage them.

Can You Eat Gum With Braces?
It’s best to avoid gum, especially regular gum. If your orthodontist approves, you can chew sugar-free gum, which is less likely to stick to your braces.

Can You Eat Popcorn With Braces?
No, it’s better to avoid popcorn, as kernels can break brackets or get stuck in the wires.

Can You Eat Takis With Braces?
Takis are too hard and spicy, which can irritate your mouth and potentially damage your braces. Avoid them during your orthodontic treatment.

How to Eat With Braces

When you have braces, it’s important to develop a few eating habits to protect your braces and ensure the best treatment outcome.

Tips:

• Cut food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew.
  
• Chew slowly and carefully to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.
  
• Use your back teeth more than your front teeth to avoid damaging the brackets.
  
• Drink plenty of water to help wash away any food particles.

Best Food to Eat After Getting Braces Tightened

After an adjustment, your teeth may feel sore for a few days. During this time, stick to soft foods that won’t add extra pressure to your braces.

Recommended foods:

• Oatmeal
  
• Pasta
  
• Smoothies
  
• Soups
  
• Ice cream (for relief)
  

These foods are easy to eat and will give you the comfort you need after your braces have been tightened.

What Not to Do After Getting Braces Off

Once your braces are removed, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

Things to avoid:

• Don’t skip wearing your retainer.
  
• Avoid eating hard foods immediately after getting your braces off.
  
• Don’t forget to maintain good oral hygiene.

Kids With Braces: Special Tips

Braces can be tough for kids, especially when it comes to adjusting their diet. However, there are plenty of tasty and braces-friendly food options available.

Kid-friendly foods include:

• Mac and cheese
  
• Pancakes
  
• Fruit smoothies
  
• Soft tacos
  
• Rice and beans
  

Making meals fun and easy to eat will help kids with braces stick to their treatment plan.

In India, it’s estimated that over 20% of children and teens undergo orthodontic treatment, and the number is rising.

What You Can and Can’t Eat With Braces

Conclusion

Eating with braces doesn’t have to be a challenge. By making informed food choices and avoiding foods that could damage your braces, you can ensure a smooth orthodontic treatment experience. Whether you’re wondering what to eat with braces the first week or what candy is safe, the key is to be mindful and gentle with your choices. This will help protect your braces and promote the best results.