Suitable Foods to Eat and Avoid with Braces
Sturdy, stable and sophisticated; that’s what your dental braces
However, braces are orthodontic appliances that seek the utmost care from the wearer.
A healthy, balanced diet is always beneficial, but when you have braces, your food choices can directly impact how well your treatment progresses. Certain foods can loosen brackets, bend wires, or cause cavities around your orthodontic appliances.
You’ll need to make a few adjustments to your diet to keep your braces in great condition. That means avoiding some of your go-to snacks and being more selective with your meals.
Eating suitable foods and avoiding the wrong ones while you have braces helps shield your smile and leads to an easy journey.
Braces-Friendly Foods to Enjoy
The best foods for people with braces are soft, non-sticky, and easy to chew. These foods won’t interfere with your brackets or wires and will help reduce discomfort, especially after adjustments. Here’s a helpful guide to some of the best options:
1. Soft Fruits and Cooked Vegetables
Fresh produce is essential, but it’s best to choose softer options when you have braces. Go for:
- Bananas, berries, and seedless grapes
- Steamed carrots, zucchini, and mashed pumpkin
- Cut apples and pears into thin slices or cook them to make them easier to chew.
2. Pasta, Rice, and Noodles
Carbohydrates provide energy and are easy to incorporate into your diet when you have braces.
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soft-cooked rice dishes/li>
- Noodles with mild sauces
3. Dairy Products
Dairy is full of calcium and protein essential for healthy teeth and gums.
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Milkshakes and smoothies (skip the seeds and crunchy toppings)
4. Protein-Rich Soft Foods
Getting your daily dose of protein doesn’t have to mean biting into tough meats. Try:
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked chicken or fish
- Tofu
- Lentils and beans
5. Soft Breads and Baked Goods
You don’t have to avoid carbs altogether—just be selective.
- Pancakes, muffins (without nuts)
- Soft tortillas or wraps
- Lightly toasted bread (avoid hard crusts)
Eating meals without damaging foods in braces is beneficial as it won’t irritate your mouth and helps your appliances stay safe. These braces-friendly choices are gentle on your mouth and satisfy your nutritional needs.
Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
Now for the tricky part—what not to eat. Some foods may seem harmless, but they can be rough on your braces or even result in breakages that delay your treatment. These are the most common problems you should avoid:
1. Hard Foods
These can snap loose wires or pop brackets.
- Nuts (especially almonds and peanuts)
- Hard pretzels or crusty bread
- Raw carrots and whole apples (unless cut into small, soft pieces)
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods
When food gets stuck to brackets and wires, it becomes difficult to clean them, and cavities are more likely to develop.
- Caramel, toffees, and chewy lollies
- Gum (even sugar-free types)
- Dried fruit like apricots or figs
3. Crunchy Snacks
These often hide sharp edges that can damage your braces.
- Popcorn (especially unpopped kernels)
- Corn chips and taco shells
- Hard cookies and thick crackers
4. Sugary Treats
While occasional sweets are okay, it’s best to avoid excessive sugar. It can settle around your braces, leading to plaque buildup and potential cavities.
- Sugary soft drinks and sports drinks
- Lollies that dissolve slowly in the mouth
- Hard chocolates or ones with crunchy fillings
Making conscious choices about the foods to eat and avoid with braces not only prevents appliance damage but also helps you maintain oral hygiene throughout treatment. The better your braces are cared for, the sooner you can achieve your desired smile.
Support for Your Braces Journey in Leichhardt
Just like your teeth, braces need the proper care they deserve. Adjusting to life with braces takes a little time, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Consult your trusted Leichhardt dentist for additional details about maintaining the good condition of your braces.
Here at My Local Dentists, we let your smile shine by providing professional guidance and comprehensive treatments for your dental and orthodontics concerns.
We will ensure you can care for your braces correctly, professionally and efficiently.
Braces Aftercare in Leichhardt
Our services and treatments are 100% personalised to you and your needs.
The supporting staff and our dentists are highly talented, dedicated, and experienced. By cooperating, we provide a pleasant visit for every patient.
Contact your Leichhardt dentist at (02) 9171 0840 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.