When you are wearing braces, it is important to avoid certain foods that can damage your orthodontic appliances, brackets, and wires, which may cause delays in treatment. What should you eat with braces? Here are a few tips that can help you make wise choices when eating with braces.
The key rule is nothing hard, sticky, or chewy!
Never eat with braces!
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard Pretzels
- Beef Jerky
- Pizza Crust
- Croutons
- Suckers
- Hard Candies
- Gummy Bears
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Bubble Gum
- Jelly Beans
- Licorice
- Skittles
- Starburst
- Peanut/Pretzel M&Ms
- Tootsie Rolls
- Soft drinks and other sugary drinks
- Pens and Pencils (don’t chew on these)
Use caution when eating with braces!
- Nacho Chips
- Popcorn
- Hard Bread/Bagels
- Ribs
- Chicken Wings
- Raw Vegetables
- Hard Fruit (i.e. apples)
- Fruit with Pits (i.e. peaches)
- Corn on the Cob
- Crusty Bread
- Granola Bars
- Foods high in sugar: don’t eat often and brush soon after.
Okay to eat with braces!
- Ice Cream (no nuts)
- Potato Chips
- Steamed Vegetables
- Pasta
- Potatoes
- French Fries
- Soft Pretzels
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Jello
- Soup
- Sandwiches, Subs
- Cereal in Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Peanut Butter (non-crunchy)
- Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Following the above tips when you eat with braces will help ensure your treatment goes smoothly and successfully. If you have any questions, please ask any of our team members!
Click HERE for a printable version to put on your fridge.
