you’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to get the braces on. Finally your dream smile is officially in progress. But as you sit in the waiting room of the orthodontic clinic, a lot of questions cross your mind. “What can I eat without hurting my braces?”, “ Do I have to give up on my favourite Pizza and Spaghetti?”, “Then, what to eat with braces?”.
I know, the journey with braces is exciting as well as challenging. Especially when navigating through your food options you need to be extra mindful. But that doesn’t mean you’ve to only stick to mashy foods or shakes and sacrifice on your daily dose of protein and carbs.
To help people with new braces, here is the right information on what food to eat with braces, what food to avoid with braces and also some braces-friendly food options.
Best food for braces - your go-to option
When you just sign-in for braces, the initial few days are the most uncomfortable. While you are getting accustomed to a mouth full of shiny metal, your teeth may feel sore and struggle to chew or bite from the recent new changes. During this time, the best food for braces are the ones that are soft, smooth and gentle on your teeth.
- Scrambled egg, oatmeal, porridge, pancake, grains(soaked and boiled), soft rice, are some of the safe foods to eat with braces. Even in the meat option, tender fish and soft-cooked chicken are also allowed to be consumed after you are habituated to braces.
- Dairy products are one of the best braces-friendly foods out there. Milk, creamy yoghurt, paneer, and soft cheese are naturally gentle and protein powerhouse foods. Also, these foods, rich in calcium, implicitly help in strengthening your teeth.
A tip that makes you happy:- Ice-creams and soft muffins get a green signal from the orthodontists as one of the safe foods to eat with braces. - Even though most fruits and vegetables are allowed to be on your table, some require creativity. While bananas, avocados, oranges, and some berries are safe to eat as they are, firmer ones like apples and guavas should be sliced into smaller pieces before consumption. When the talk is of vegetables, you don’t have to skip any. Just be sure to steam or boil them soft for that gentle bite.
Fruits and vegetables are the best foods for braces. They are soft, nutritious and versatile. Either smoothies or soup, they are never off your diet.
Foods to avoid with braces - Your no-go list
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part. When you ask what foods to avoid with braces, the immediate answer is foods that are sticky, crunchy or tough to chew. While you may neglect and think it’s just one bite, some foods cause serious damage and make you book an emergency orthodontist appointment.
- Hard foods to avoid with braces: hard candies, chewing gum, nuts, popcorn kernels, crusty French bread, raw carrots, and ice cubes that may look innocent but can damage brackets.
- Sticky and chewy foods that pose a double threat: caramel, taffy, gummy bears, and similar items can tangle in wires and potentially rip off brackets.
- Sugary and carbonated drinks: while they don’t damage braces directly, they feed mouth bacteria, increase plaque buildup, and raise the risk of cavities.
Bottom line
Getting braces doesn’t mean giving up the delicious meals; it’s just playing smart with your food selection.
So next time, when you are puzzled with the question “what to eat with braces”, pick up some recommendations from the above, add a pinch of salt and pepper and enjoy the meal.
FAQ
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Can I eat normally with braces?
Absolutely yes, but by being mindful about certain choices. Except for foods that are hard, sticky and crunchy, you can enjoy most of your food. -
Can I eat chocolate and sweets with my braces?
Yes, but with some conditions. Avoid chocolates with nuts, caramel-based toffee, and gummy candies. Instead, choose milk chocolates that are soft to chew. As per sweets, it is recommended to avoid sugar during the braces. -
What should I eat in the first few days after getting the braces?
During the initial few days, opt for soft and gentle food like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft rice, soup, smoothie, and even soft-cooked pasta are safe to have. -
Can I drink soda and fizzy drinks with my braces?
Orthodontists recommend not to consume any aerated drinks while you are on braces or aligners as they can weaken the enamel and lead to tooth decay. -
Can I eat pizza with braces?
Yes, but opt for a thin crust pizza and avoid toppings that are hard to bite.
Dr. Nithya S (Author)
Orthodontist and Dentofacial Orthopaedician