Foods to Avoid with Braces
Protect your braces and keep your treatment on track
Why Food Choices Matter During Treatment
Braces are durable, but they are not indestructible. Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, and even extend your treatment time. Taking care with your food choices helps protect your investment and keeps your treatment progressing on schedule.
The good news is that most of your favorite foods are still on the menu. You just need to know which ones to avoid and how to prepare others safely. Combine smart food choices with proper oral hygiene during treatment to keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on schedule.
Foods to Avoid
Steer clear of these categories during your orthodontic treatment to prevent broken brackets and bent wires:
- Hard foods: ice, hard candy, nuts, popcorn kernels, raw carrots (cut into small pieces instead)
- Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, gummy candy, chewing gum
- Crunchy foods: chips, pretzels, hard taco shells, hard cookies
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, beef jerky
- Foods that require biting into: whole apples, corn on the cob (cut off the cob instead)
Braces-Friendly Alternatives
You do not have to sacrifice variety. Here are some smart swaps that keep your braces safe and your meals enjoyable:
- Soft fruits: bananas, berries, grapes, sliced peaches
- Cooked vegetables: steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, soft beans
- Soft proteins: tender chicken, fish, eggs, tofu
- Soft grains: pasta, soft bread, pancakes, oatmeal
- Treats: ice cream, pudding, soft cookies, smoothies
Tips for Eating with Braces
Cut Food Into Small Pieces
Instead of biting into hard or large foods, cut them into small, manageable pieces and chew with your back teeth.
Chew Carefully
Take smaller bites and chew slowly. Avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods with your front teeth.
Brush After Meals
Food debris can get trapped around brackets and wires. Brush after every meal and carry a travel toothbrush for meals away from home.
Call Us if Something Breaks
If a bracket comes loose or a wire bends, contact our office. We will get you in for a repair so your treatment stays on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Eating with Braces?
Our team is happy to help. Contact our Lake Charles or Sulphur office for advice on keeping your braces in great shape.