Braces are an incredible tool for achieving a straight, beautiful smile, but they do come with some challenges, especially when it comes to your diet. One of the most common questions for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment is:
“What foods should I avoid with braces?”
In this guide, we’ll break down the top foods to avoid while wearing braces, tips for maintaining your braces, and helpful alternatives to keep your diet healthy and braces-friendly.
Why What You Eat Matters with Braces
When you wear braces, the wires, brackets, and bands are at risk of damage from hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Eating the wrong foods can lead to broken brackets, bent wires, or increased plaque buildup around your braces. Not only can this slow down your progress, but it can also lead to oral health issues like cavities or gum disease.
To make sure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly, it's important to stick to foods that are safe for braces wearers. Let's dive into the foods you should avoid to keep your braces in top shape.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
1. Hard Foods
Foods like nuts, hard candy, and ice can be a nightmare for your braces. Biting into something hard can break or loosen the brackets, causing discomfort and delays in your treatment.
Examples of hard foods to avoid:
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Ice cubes
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Hard candy (lollipops, jawbreakers)
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Hard nuts
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Caramel (because it can get stuck)
Braces-Friendly Alternative:
Opt for softer nuts, or go for frozen yogurt and smoothies.
2. Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are particularly bad for braces because they can cling to the brackets, wires, and teeth, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. This leads to plaque buildup and cavities.
Examples of sticky foods to avoid:
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Chewing gum (especially bubble gum)
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Taffy
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Caramel
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Toffee
Braces-Friendly Alternative:
Choose softer desserts like pudding, custard, or yogurt. If you're craving a sweet snack, go for ice cream or soft cookies.
3. Chewy Foods
Chewy foods can pull on the braces and may cause your wires or brackets to shift or bend. They also put a lot of pressure on your teeth, which can lead to discomfort.
Examples of chewy foods to avoid:
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Bagels
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Pizza crust
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Licorice
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Chewy granola bars
Braces-Friendly Alternative:
Instead of bagels or tough pizza crust, go for softer bread or wraps. Soft granola bars can also be a better alternative.
4. Foods High in Sugar
While sugar isn’t inherently bad for braces, it’s the type of sugar found in sticky foods or sugary drinks that you need to avoid. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque buildup and the risk of cavities.
Examples of sugary foods to avoid:
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Soda
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Sweetened teas
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Candy
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Sweetened desserts
Braces-Friendly Alternative:
Stick to water, milk, or sugar-free drinks. For dessert, fresh fruit is always a great option.
5. Hard Vegetables and Fruits
Raw carrots, apples, and corn on the cob may be crunchy and healthy, but they can pose a danger to your braces. Biting into these hard foods can lead to broken or damaged brackets.
Examples of hard fruits and veggies to avoid:
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Apples (unless cut into small pieces)
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Raw carrots
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Corn on the cob
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Celery
Braces-Friendly Alternative:
Cut apples into small pieces and enjoy soft fruits like bananas, peaches, or pears. Steamed or cooked veggies are also a great option.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
While there are plenty of foods to avoid with braces, there are also many delicious options that will not damage your braces. Here are some braces-friendly food ideas:
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Soft fruits like bananas, grapes, or peaches
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Cooked vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and zucchini
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Dairy like yogurt, cheese, and milk
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Soft grains like rice, oatmeal, or soft pasta
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Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu
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Smoothies and shakes (just be cautious with straws)
Braces Care Tips: How to Keep Your Braces Clean
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces. Here are some tips to ensure your braces stay clean and functional:
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Floss regularly using a water flosser — water flossers can effectively clean around brackets and wires, ensuring better plaque removal and gum health.
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Use an electric toothbrush with soft bristles to gently clean your teeth without causing discomfort.
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Rinse with mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and bacteria.
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Visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I eat apples with braces?
Apples are healthy but can be hard to bite into, which can break your braces. You can still eat apples, but make sure to cut them into small pieces first.
2. What foods can break your braces?
Foods like hard candy, ice, caramel, and tough bagels can break or damage your braces. Stick to softer foods for a more comfortable experience.
3. Can I eat popcorn with braces?
Popcorn can get stuck in your braces and may lead to damage. It's best to avoid popcorn during your orthodontic treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile, and following the proper guidelines for what to eat and avoid with braces is an essential part of ensuring a smooth, successful journey. By avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary foods, you can protect your braces and keep your smile healthy.
For the best results, integrate a consistent oral care routine with tools like an electric toothbrush and a water flosser with UV technology, which will help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your braces.