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Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile — but it does come with a few lifestyle adjustments, especially when it comes to food. One of the most common questions orthodontic patients ask is, “What can I eat with braces?”
At Peach Orthodontics, we want treatment to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Knowing which foods to avoid — and which ones are safe — can help protect your braces, prevent unnecessary repairs, and keep your treatment on schedule.
Whether you’re a teen adjusting to braces for the first time or a parent helping your child navigate mealtimes, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Food Choices Matter With Braces
Braces use brackets, wires, and bands to gently move teeth into alignment. While these components are strong, they can still be damaged by certain foods — especially those that are hard, sticky, or chewy.
Eating the wrong foods can lead to:
- Broken brackets or bent wires
- Loose bands that require extra appointments
- Delays in treatment time
- Increased risk of cavities and plaque buildup
Choosing braces-friendly foods helps keep your treatment on track and reduces the risk of emergencies between visits.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
Some foods can damage your braces, while others make it harder to keep your teeth clean. It’s best to avoid the following categories during treatment.
Hard Foods
Hard foods can crack brackets, snap wires, or loosen appliances — especially if you bite into them directly.
Examples to avoid include:
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
- Pretzels
- Chips with thick or rigid edges
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky foods are especially problematic because they can pull brackets loose and get stuck around wires, making cleaning difficult.
Foods to avoid include:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Fruit snacks
- Chewing gum
- Toffee
Tough or Chewy Foods
Foods that require a lot of chewing can strain wires and brackets or cause discomfort.
These include:
- Bagels
- Pizza crust
- Steak
- Jerky
- Hard rolls
If you choose to eat these foods, cutting them into small pieces can help reduce the risk of damage.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar itself doesn’t damage braces — but it does increase the risk of cavities, especially since braces create more places for plaque to hide.
Limit foods and drinks such as:
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Candy
- Sugary desserts
- Sweetened coffee or tea
Good oral hygiene and moderation are key throughout orthodontic treatment.
What You Can Eat With Braces
The good news? There are still plenty of delicious, braces-friendly foods you can enjoy — especially during the first few days after adjustments when your teeth may feel sore.
Soft Foods
Soft foods are gentle on braces and easy to chew, making them ideal for the early stages of treatment.
Great options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Rice
- Soft breads
Fruits and Vegetables (Prepared the Right Way)
You don’t have to give up healthy foods — just prepare them differently.
Try these options:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melon
- Steamed vegetables
- Cut raw fruits and veggies into small, bite-sized pieces
- Remove skins or hard edges when needed
Avoid biting directly into whole apples or carrots — slicing them is a safer choice.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is important for overall health and healing, and many options are braces-friendly.
Good choices include:
- Fish
- Ground meats
- Soft chicken
- Beans
- Tofu
- Eggs
Cut meats into small pieces and chew slowly to stay comfortable.
Snacks and Treats That Won’t Damage Braces
You can still enjoy treats — just choose wisely.
Braces-safe options include:
- Pudding
- Ice cream (without nuts or hard mix-ins)
- Smoothies
- Soft cookies
- Muffins
- Jell-O
When enjoying sweets, be sure to brush thoroughly afterward.
Tips for Eating Comfortably With Braces
Adjusting to braces takes time, but these tips can make eating easier and more comfortable:
- Cut food into smaller pieces
- Chew slowly and carefully
- Avoid biting directly with your front teeth
- Stick to soft foods after adjustments
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals
- Brush and floss after eating whenever possible
What Happens If You Break a Bracket?
Accidents happen — especially when learning new eating habits. If a bracket or wire breaks, don’t panic.
Here’s what to do:
- Avoid the food that caused the issue
- Save the broken piece if possible
- Call Peach Orthodontics to schedule a repair
- Use orthodontic wax if the wire is causing irritation
Prompt repairs help prevent treatment delays and keep your progress moving forward.
Why Following Food Guidelines Matters
It may be tempting to “test your limits” with braces — but avoiding problem foods can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Sticking to braces-friendly foods helps:
- Reduce emergency visits
- Prevent treatment delays
- Improve comfort
- Protect your oral health
- Keep your smile transformation on schedule
A little caution now leads to better results later.
Why Peach Orthodontics Supports You Every Step of the Way
At Peach Orthodontics, we know braces are a big commitment — and we’re here to make the process as easy and positive as possible. Our team takes time to educate patients and families so they feel confident at every stage of treatment.
Dr. Brent Rickheim and Dr. Brendan Smith proudly serve patients throughout Hayden, Post Falls, and surrounding North Idaho communities with personalized care, modern technology, and honest guidance.
We believe a healthy smile starts with informed choices — both in and out of the orthodontic chair.
Have Questions About Eating With Braces?
If you’re unsure about a specific food or experiencing discomfort while eating, our team is always happy to help. During your appointments, we’ll answer questions, offer tips, and make sure your treatment stays on track.
When you’re ready, Peach Orthodontics is here to support your journey toward a confident, healthy smile — one meal at a time.