Modern braces are much more comfortable and sophisticated than those of the past. However, wearing orthodontic appliances still requires lifestyle and diet adjustments. In this article, we answer the question: What can you eat with braces?

What Can You Eat With Braces?

Even though traditional metal braces are designed to withstand pressure and some natural wear, they are not invincible. Certain foods can damage or crack braces, making them ineffective if not fixed or replaced.

Another reason to exclude certain foods when wearing braces is that you will most likely experience soreness and toothache due to the pressure the braces apply to your teeth to move them. 

A Diet with Braces Suggestions

When you get braces, you might feel a significant discomfort and soreness that will last for several days until you get used to your new appliances. To reduce discomfort and pain when eating in the first 7 to 10 days after getting braces, we suggest adhering to a soft diet, which does not require a lot of bite force and chewing. Such a diet might include the following dishes:

• Mashed vegetables (for example, potatoes)
• Soups and pureed soups
• Smoothies and yogurt
• Sheese and cottage cheese
• Soft bread without seeds
• Soft cutlets
• Scrambled eggs

At first, braces might also cause some rubbing of the soft tissue in the mouth, particularly the insides of your cheeks and lips. To avoid disturbing the sore areas further, avoid the following products:

• Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, sodas, juices, vinegar, etc.
• Crunchy foods, such as chips and crackers, can scratch and hurt the sore spots
• Spicy foods

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Once you get used to wearing your braces and the initial discomfort and soreness go away, you can start introducing more foods to your diet. With time, you will be able to eat the foods you are used to. However, you should still avoid certain products when wearing braces to avoid damaging your orthodontic appliances: 

• Hard and crunchy foods, such as candy, crackers, nuts, hard apples that require biting pieces off, etc. These types of food can break the wires or dislodge your braces.
• Sticky foods, such as candy, toffee, caramel, etc.
• Popcorn with kernels and hard, crunchy nuts

Other Tips for Eating with Braces

• If chewing and biting cause you discomfort, cut your food into small, easy-to-chew pieces beforehand.
• Avoid very hot or very cold temperatures, as these can irritate the sores in your mouth and the enamel of your teeth.
• Get into a habit of chewing slowly and carefully but thoroughly.

Braces Care Tips

Except for carefully choosing your diet when wearing braces, we recommend following several other braces care rules:

• Make sure to thoroughly clean the braces and your teeth twice a day. If bacteria and food debris linger, you run the risk of getting cavities and stains on your teeth.
• Do not neglect flossing. It is true that flossing with braces can be challenging. Still, it is an essential step of an effective oral hygiene routine when wearing orthodontic appliances. 
• If you find flossing with traditional floss difficult, try special tools, such as interdental brushes and floss threaders, to streamline the process.
• Add a water flosser to your hygiene routine to help loosen the food debris and plaque trapped in your braces, making subsequent brushing and flossing more effective.
• Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth if brushing is impossible after every meal, as food residue tends to get trapped in the braces. A water flosser can be a convenient tool for after-meal cleaning. We also recommend getting a travel oral hygiene kit to remove food debris from your mouth if you eat out. Remember to keep your travel kit clean and let the brush fully dry every day to avoid bacteria growth.
• Do not use your teeth as tools to avoid physically damaging your braces. 
• Visit your dental hygienist for deep cleanings every 6 months. Professional cleanings are highly beneficial to everyone, but especially to people who wear braces, as it might be challenging to reach some of the areas in the mouth with a brush or floss. 

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a leading orthodontist at the Smile Specialist CA dental office today. Our specialists will create an effective treatment plan to deliver results. We look forward to your visit.