What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces?
When you start orthodontic treatment, your braces become part of your daily routine, and that includes the choices you make at mealtimes. Some foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or get trapped around your appliances. That means more repairs and longer treatment time. Protecting your braces now helps you stay on schedule and get your beautiful, healthy smile sooner.
While it might take a little adjustment in the beginning, most patients get the hang of it quickly. And don’t worry, once your braces come off, you’ll be enjoying all your favorite crunchy treats and corn on the cob again. Until then, here’s what to avoid to keep your treatment moving smoothly.
What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
Certain foods can break brackets, loosen bands, or bend wires. Others are simply too sticky or hard to clean away. Here are the main categories to look out for:
Chewy Foods
These can tug on brackets or get stuck around wires.
- Bagels
- Licorice
- Beef jerky
Crunchy Foods
Crunching down on hard foods can snap a bracket or bend a wire.
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Pretzels
Sticky Foods
Sticky treats cling to braces and are difficult to clean, which can cause decay or appliance damage.
- Caramels
- Chewing gum
Hard Foods
Hard items can break brackets or crack wires.
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Thick pizza crust
- Hard rolls
Foods You Bite Into
Biting directly into hard foods can knock brackets off the teeth. Instead, cut them into small, manageable pieces.
- Corn on the cob (cut kernels off the cob)
- Apples (slice into small pieces)
- Carrots (cut into thin sticks or cook until soft)
Habits That Can Damage Braces
Some habits are just as harmful as certain foods:
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Biting fingernails
Highly Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acids can weaken the glue that holds your brackets in place. Loose brackets mean longer treatment time.
Examples include:
- Lemon and lime
- Regular and diet sodas
- Citrus-heavy drinks
Why Do Some Foods Harm Braces?
Brackets and wires are designed to guide your teeth gently into their new positions. When something bends a wire or breaks a bracket, that progress pauses. Repairs take time, and repeated damage can extend your overall treatment. Avoiding risky foods is one of the easiest ways to keep your smile journey on track.
How Can I Keep My Treatment on Schedule?
A few simple habits can make a huge difference in your orthodontic experience:
Choose Your Foods Carefully
Avoid the items listed above and stay mindful when eating harder textures.
Keep Every Scheduled Appointment
Each visit plays an important role. Delays or frequent rescheduling can push your treatment end date further out.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly helps prevent cavities and gum problems, both of which can slow down progress.
Continue Seeing Your General Dentist
Routine cleanings and exams are essential to keeping your teeth healthy while you’re in braces.
Follow All Instructions for Rubber Bands and Appliances
Your orthodontic instructions are designed to move teeth efficiently. Wearing elastics, activating expanders, or using other appliances exactly as directed keeps everything on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adjusting your eating habits is a big part of protecting your braces and keeping treatment on track. Here are some of the most common questions families in Kent, WA ask when learning what’s safe and what isn’t during orthodontic treatment.
Can I still enjoy my favorite snacks while I have braces?
Yes, absolutely, you just may need to swap certain items for softer or braces-friendly versions. Foods like yogurt, pasta, scrambled eggs, soft fruits, and baked chips are all great options. Most patients find plenty of foods they enjoy without risking their braces.
How careful do I need to be when eating out?
Restaurants often offer choices that are safe for braces. Look for items that are soft, easy to bite, or cut into small pieces. If you’re unsure about a menu item, choosing something cooked, steamed, or soft-baked is usually a good bet.
Can I chew gum if I pick a “sugar-free” kind?
Even sugar-free gum can stick to brackets and wires. Because it can pull on your appliances or get tangled, it’s best to avoid gum entirely while wearing braces.
Is it okay to eat crunchy foods if I chew with my back teeth?
Unfortunately, even chewing carefully can still put pressure on your braces. Crunchy foods are more likely to break brackets or bend wires, no matter where you chew. It’s safest to avoid them until your braces come off.
What drinks should I be careful with during treatment?
Sugary and acidic drinks, like soda, sports drinks, lemonade, or citrus juices, can weaken enamel around your brackets. If you enjoy these drinks occasionally, rinse your mouth with water afterward and maintain strong brushing habits.