Wondering what foods to avoid with braces?
When patients at City Orthodontics start their treatment, they often ask, “What can I eat?”
We understand that getting braces changes your lifestyle.
Your go-to snacks and meals might be off-limits now.
That’s why we created this guide on which foods to avoid with braces.
So, if you’re just starting or have been in treatment for months, this article will help you take care of your smile and protect how much you pay for your braces.
Why You Should Avoid Certain Foods with Braces
Braces are pretty delicate systems.
The wires, brackets, and elastics all work together to shift your teeth into the right positions.
Certain foods can harm your treatment, slow it down, or even lead to problems like gum infections.
Besides steering clear of certain foods, if you don’t clean your teeth and braces well enough, food bits, tartar, and plaque can build up.
That’s why maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent cavities and infections around your braces.
So, when the orthodontist repeats this information to you, listen carefully. They want to help make your treatment smooth, effective, and comfortable.
This also means letting you know what foods to enjoy and what to avoid.
Just a heads up, the list of foods below is primarily for people with braces.
If you have Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, or other clear aligners, you’re in luck, you can take those out when you eat, enjoy what you crave, and just brush your teeth before putting them back in.
But there are still some things to avoid, like smoking and coffee.
You can find more about those in our blog.
5 Types of Foods to Avoid with Braces
Some foods can harm parts of your braces (even clear braces), like the rubber bands, wires, and brackets.
To keep your braces in good shape, steer clear of sticky, hard, or chewy stuff.
Soft foods are definitely the way to go since they’re less likely to cause any damage.
Now, let’s look at a complete list of foods to avoid.
1. Hard foods
Avoid hard foods as much as you can. This kind of food can break brackets or bend wires, leading to emergency visits and delays in your treatment. Among these foods, you’ll find:
- Nuts, like almonds, peanuts, and pistachios (even in protein bars)
- Hard candies
- Popcorn kernels
- Ice (don’t chew it)
- Raw carrots or uncut apples (unless they are cooked or sliced thin)
If you enjoy crunchy vegetables, try steaming or roasting them instead.
2. Sticky foods
Sticky foods stick to your braces and are hard to clean, so if your kid is the kind who absolutely loves gum, this might be a problem. Still, sticky food can pull on brackets or wires, causing damage, so it’s best to avoid it.
Among sticky foods are:
- Gum (even “sugar-free”)
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Toffee
- Gummy bears or sticky fruit snacks
3. Chewy foods
Chewy foods put extra strain on your braces and can loosen parts:
- Bagels
- Beef jerky
- Crusty bread (like sourdough or artisan loaves)
- Pizza crust
If you can’t tear it easily with your hands, it’s likely too tough for your braces.
4. Crunchy snacks
Many crunchy snacks can be tempting, but they’re still risky for braces. So, it’s best to avoid:
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Croutons
- Hard taco shells
5. Sugary foods and drink
Sugar is not only bad for your health, but it is especially harmful during orthodontic treatment.
It feeds plaque bacteria that thrive around brackets and wires.
So, stay away as much as you can from:
- Soda (even diet soda is acidic)
- Sweetened iced tea
- Candy (especially sticky or hard types)
- Baked goods with frosting
If you do eat sugary snacks, make sure to brush your teeth right after.
But honestly, it’s better to skip them whenever you can.
Foods that can still harm braces
Even foods that seem soft or healthy can cause some issues if you’re not careful. Such as:
Corn on the cob: Eating corn straight off the cob can knock your brackets loose. Better to cut it off the cob instead.
Apples and pears: These fruits are good for you, but make sure to slice them into smaller pieces before eating them.
Pizza: It’s not just the crust that’s a problem; melted cheese can get all stringy and tug on your brackets. Since it’s hard to stop eating pizza, just take your time and chew slowly.
Rice and deeds: Small seeds or grains (like those in multigrain bread) can easily get stuck in your braces or between your teeth, which is a recipe for decay.
So, What Can You Eat with Braces?
Yes, there are foods to avoid with braces, but you don’t have to sacrifice it all.
Stick to foods that are soft, easy to chew, and won’t mess up your braces:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and watermelon are easy to eat on and loaded with vitamins.
- Yogurt and smoothies make awesome breakfasts or snacks. You can add fruit, honey, or oats (but skip the seeds).
- Eggs, whether they’re scrambled, boiled, or poached, are super easy to eat and packed with protein.
- Mashed potatoes are creamy and delicious.
- Pasta dishes are filling, and you can mix them with braces-friendly sauces.
- Steamed veggies like carrots, broccoli, and zucchini are great once they’re softened up.
- Tender meats like shredded chicken, meatballs, or flaky fish work well, as long as they aren’t tough or chewy.
Our extra advice? A good blender or food processor can be a lifesaver during your treatment.
This way, you can still eat foods like apple pie, stir-fry, or hearty veggie soups, but softer, blended, or pureed.
In Summary
Living with braces can take a little getting used to, especially when it comes to what you can eat.
Yeah, there are definitely some foods to avoid with braces, but the good news is that there are still options out there.
As our patients know, making smart choices and sticking to braces-friendly foods can help you avoid any problems and keep your treatment moving along smoothly.
If you’re in Toronto and thinking about starting your journey with braces, book a consultation with City Orthodontics.