What Can I Eat With Braces?

Whether you’ve recently had braces put on or just scheduled your first orthodontic appointment, you’re likely asking, “what can I eat with braces?” The good news is, braces don’t have to change your diet too much—as long as you’re careful, you can still enjoy most of your favorite meals. Read on to learn more about the foods you’ll want to avoid shortly after getting braces, as well as the foods you can eat in moderation.

What Can I Eat With Braces?

After you’re gotten your braces put on, your gums may feel sensitive or sore for a few days. During this time, it’s a good idea to focus on soft foods that are easy to chew. Some foods you may want to focus on for these days include:

  • Yogurt and soft cheeses
  • Soups
  • Pasta
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Soft fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blackberries
  • Cooked vegetables like asparagus, peas, carrots, and squash
  • Avocado
  • Oatmeal

You’ll want to avoid chewy or tough foods like thick rolls, crusty breads, or chewy cuts of meat, along with spicy foods and citrus fruits, which can make your already-irritated gums even sorer. Fortunately, this sensitivity should die down within a couple of days.

What Foods Avoid While Wearing Braces?

Braces are durable, and most foods (in moderation) should be fine to eat while wearing braces. However, there are a few exceptions to this. In particular, you’ll want to try to avoid foods that are sugary, hard, sticky, and chewy. These include:

  • Popcorn and pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Thick tortilla chips
  • Chewing gum and chewy candies like taffy
  • Hard candy
  • Pizza crust, bagels, and other tough bread products

You’ll also want to avoid tearing foods with your teeth (which is why crusty breads are discouraged) or letting hard candies dissolve in your mouth. Soda and carbonated drinks (even sugar-free drinks) aren’t a great idea, as the carbonation can erode your tooth enamel around the brackets, causing permanent stains. Sugary drinks can leave a sticky film on your teeth, and braces can make it tough to fully brush this film away.

At Perfect Smiles Orthodontics, we work with you to answer your questions, including “what can I eat with braces?” Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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