Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it also comes with some dietary adjustments. The right food choices can help prevent damage to your brackets and wires while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. At California Dental Group, we’re here to help you navigate your new eating habits with ease.
Best Foods to Eat with Braces
When you first get braces, your teeth may feel sore, especially after adjustments. Soft, easy-to-chew foods will be your best friends during this time. Here are some ideal options:
Soft Proteins
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked chicken
- Meatballs
- Tofu
- Fish (like salmon or tilapia)
Dairy Products
- Yogurt
- Cheese slices or cubes
- Cottage cheese
- Pudding
Fruits and Vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (carrots, squash, zucchini)
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Soft berries (strawberries, blueberries)
Grains and Carbohydrates
- Soft bread (avoid crusty bread)
- Cooked pasta and rice
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes and waffles
- Soft tortillas
Treats and Snacks
- Smoothies
- Ice cream (without nuts or caramel)
- Soft cookies
- Jell-O
By sticking to these foods, you can enjoy meals without discomfort while protecting your braces from damage.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Certain foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, leading to longer treatment times. It’s best to avoid:
Hard and Crunchy Foods
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
- Ice (chewing ice can damage braces)
Sticky and Chewy Foods
- Caramel
- Chewing gum
- Gummy candies
- Taffy
Tough Meats and Chewy Breads
- Steak (unless cut into small, manageable pieces)
- Bagels and hard rolls
Raw Vegetables and Fruits
- Whole apples and pears (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Raw carrots and celery (opt for cooked or thinly sliced versions)
Avoiding these foods helps keep your braces in good shape, preventing unnecessary trips to the orthodontist.
Smart Eating Habits with Braces
Beyond food choices, how you eat is just as important. Here are some tips to make eating with braces easier:
- Cut food into smaller pieces – This reduces strain on your braces.
- Chew with your back teeth – Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth.
- Rinse after eating – Food can get stuck in your braces, so rinse with water or mouthwash after meals.
- Brush and floss regularly – Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent plaque buildup around your brackets.
Need Braces-Friendly Meal Ideas?
Eating with braces doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious meals. Here are a few easy and tasty meal ideas:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with soft toast and a smoothie
- Lunch: Macaroni and cheese with steamed broccoli
- Dinner: Baked salmon with mashed potatoes and cooked carrots
- Snack: Yogurt with soft fruit
Let California Dental Group Help You Maintain a Healthy Smile
Adjusting your diet with braces is essential for a smooth treatment process. If you have questions about what you can or can’t eat, our team at California Dental Group is happy to help. Call us at 800-407-0161 to schedule an appointment or get personalized advice on alternatives like Invisalign that allow you to eat anything you want.
