What Can You Eat With Braces, And What Should You Avoid?

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HealthlineSubscribeFoods You Can and Shouldn’t Eat If You Have Braces

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Valencia Higuera on September 19, 2019

Eating with braces on the first day
What to skip
Keep avoiding
If wires come loose
Maintaining dental health
Summary

A dentist or orthodontist may recommend braces to align or straighten your teeth, or help with another dental problem like a gap, underbite, or overbite.

Braces can drastically improve your teeth, but it can take days or weeks to adjust to the extra pressure on your teeth. You may also feel some pain or irritation around your teeth and gums during the first few days.

But if you talk with anyone who’s had braces, the hardest adjustment might be giving up some of the foods you love. Certain foods are off-limits while wearing braces, because they can become stuck in the braces and damage them.

Here’s a look at some of the best and worst foods to eat with braces, as well as what to do if you damage your braces.

What can you eat when you first get braces?

Getting braces doesn’t hurt, but your mouth may be sensitive in the days following your appointment. Therefore, eating foods that have a tougher texture could cause pain.

Since you’ll also have to learn how to chew differently, your orthodontist will likely recommend only eating soft foods for the first few days.

Ideal foods to eat after getting braces include:

mashed potatoes
yogurt
soups
scrambled eggs
oatmeal
grains
seafood
soft fruits
soft cheeses
cooked or soft vegetables
moist desserts
pasta

Basically, anything that’s easy to chew.

Sensitivity after getting braces will improve after a few days or a week. At that point, you’ll be able to somewhat resume your typical diet.

What to avoid eating right after getting braces

Along with knowing what foods you can eat after getting braces, you should know what foods to avoid right after getting braces.

Plenty of foods are fine to eat with braces. However, some “safe” foods might not be ideal immediately after getting braces, since they can irritate your mouth, causing too much pressure and sensitivity.

Foods to avoid right after getting braces include:

ice cream
thick rolls or breads
thicker cuts of meats
spicy foods
citrus foods

You’ll be able to eat these items once your teeth adjust to having braces.

What to keep avoiding while you have braces

Be mindful that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces.

These include sticky and hard foods that can damage the wires or bands, or cause a bracket to separate from a tooth.

Foods to completely avoid with braces include:

popcorn
nuts
ice
chewing gum
hard candy
chewy candy
pizza crust
bagels and other hard rolls
crunchy vegetables and fruits
hard crackers
pretzels
chips

Also, limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks while having braces. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky film (plaque) that coats the teeth.

Brushing can remove plaque, but that becomes harder to do with braces. And if you’re unable to remove this sticky film, there’s a risk of tooth decay.

So, while the occasional sweet treat is OK, limit yourself to only a few sugary foods and beverages a week.

What to do if wires or bands on your braces come loose

During the time you have braces, you’ll have periodic appointments with your orthodontist to adjust your braces. Other issues can occur between regular adjustments, like a loose or broken wire or band.

This can happen if you:

eat sticky or crunchy foods
pick at your braces
have an injury to your mouth

If you have any issues with your braces, make an appointment with your orthodontist right away. Ignoring the damage or delaying a repair could potentially slow your treatment time.

Don’t pull or bend a broken wire or bracket. You could cause more damage. Instead, place a piece of wet cotton or orthodontic wax over the sharp edge until you’re able to see a dentist or orthodontist.

Maintaining dental health with braces

Maintaining good dental habits while wearing braces is one way to avoid damage. Make sure you brush your teeth at least three times a day, preferably after each meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Pay extra attention to the space around your braces and remove all traces of food. Use floss to clean between your teeth, as well as a floss threader, to remove food particles from between braces and wires.

It’s not only important to see your orthodontist, but also your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Dental cleanings are essential to remove any plaque buildup, which contributes to cavities and gum disease.

Orthodontist appointments ensure that your braces remain properly fitted.

Your dentist may also recommend using a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your teeth and lower the risk of tooth decay.

Learning different chewing techniques can also prevent damage to braces. Instead of chewing food with your front teeth, it might be easier to chew with your back teeth, which are stronger. This can prevent damage to your braces when eating thicker breads or meats.

Takeaway

Getting braces can improve your teeth. But if you eat the wrong types of food and don’t maintain good dental hygiene, there’s the risk of damaging your braces and teeth.

Your dentist or orthodontist will discuss what foods to avoid. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Damaging your braces could prolong your treatment, meaning you’ll have to wear them for a longer period of time.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Life with braces. (n.d.).https://www.hatcherorthodontics.com/your-braces/life-with-braces
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Dental braces.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/about/pac-20384607
Other tips and tricks for living with bracelets. (n.d.).https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/braces/braces-tips-and-tricks
What (and how) to eat when you're having dental issues. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/nutrition-concerns

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Valencia Higuera on September 19, 2019

What Can You Eat With Braces, And What Should You Avoid?

What can you eat when you first get braces?

What to avoid eating right after getting braces

What to keep avoiding while you have braces

What to do if wires or bands on your braces come loose

Maintaining dental health with braces

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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