Foods You Can and Can't Eat with Braces [+100 Foods List]

You cannot eat sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like gum, nuts, or popcorn.

“So… can I still enjoy my favorite foods with braces on?”

That is probably the first thought on most people’s minds the moment they leave the orthodontist’s chair. These may prolong the time frame of your treatment by breaking your wires or brackets.

But you can still enjoy plenty of tasty meals with your new braces. If it’s your first day or your first week, knowing what to eat and what to avoid will make your experience easier and far less stressful.

At Palm Valley Orthodontics in Scottsdale, we love helping our patients, from the day you first get your braces to the day they come off.

What to Eat with Braces During the First Week?

The most sensitive period is usually the first week following braces. As your teeth get used to the increased pressure, they could feel sensitive or uncomfortable. The key is to limit your diet to soft meals that need less chewing.

Here are some gentle foods that are perfect for your first few days:

Smoothies and milkshakes
Applesauce and yogurt
Mashed potatoes and steamed veggies
Soft pasta and rice
Oatmeal and scrambled eggs

Ice cream is not only allowed, it can help soothe soreness, just be sure to choose smooth flavors without chunks like cookie bits or nuts.

Foods You Absolutely Must Avoid with Braces

When you wear braces, foods that are too sticky, crunchy, or hard can do serious damage. Contrary to popular belief, breaking a bracket is more common and often results from dietary choices. Avoid:

Popcorn (those kernels can wedge into your wires)
Nuts and seeds
Hard candy and gum
Chewy caramels and sticky toffees
Corn on the cob
Crunchy chips and taco shells
Crusty bread or pizza crust

And the list doesn’t stop there. Even raw veggies like carrots or apples can be too much for new braces. Be careful and cut things into small pieces before eating. You can chew gum with braces, but only the sugar-free type.

A List of 100 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat with Braces

We have prepared a quick checklist of foods that you would be better off avoiding during your treatment:

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Nuts, Whole almonds, Whole peanuts, Popcorn, Corn chips, Pretzels, Hard taco shells
Granola clusters, Granola cereal, Hard trail mix, Rice cakes, Hard dinner rolls
Crunchy croutons, Hard crackers, Corn nuts, Hard breadsticks, Fried tortilla chips
Thick pizza crusts, Crispy bacon, Fried chicken skin, Ice cubes, Hard chocolates
Jawbreakers, Burnt toast, Candy canes, Pop Rocks candy, Dried banana chips
Hard candy apples, Raw carrots, Raw broccoli, Raw cauliflower, Raw celery
Raw green peppers, Raw snap peas, Raw cabbage, Raw kale, Crisp apples
Raw peaches, Uncooked pasta, Hard bagels, Crisp cucumbers, Crunchy onion rings
Crispy tempura, Hard cereal without milk

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky candy (Starburst, Toffee), Gum, Licorice, Dried fruits, Peanut brittle, Rice crispy treats
Gummy bears, Gummy worms, Fruit leather, Sticky marshmallows, Sticky fruit snacks
Chewy nougat, Sour candy, Fudge, Caramels, Chewy granola bars
Granola-based cookies, Sticky dried pineapple, Energy bars, Lollipops, Chewy cookies.

Tough and Fibrous Foods

Beef jerky, Tough steak, Tough ribs, Stiff bread, Bagels, Whole apples
Corn on the cob, French bread, Whole celery stalks, Raw asparagus, Fried chicken wings

Foods with Hard Crusts or Bites

French bread, Crusty baguette, Hard pizza crust, Fried chips
Hard nachos, Toasted sandwiches

What Foods Are Safe?

Here’s the good news; most soft foods are perfectly fine and will make your life easier. You can enjoy:

Soft fruits like bananas, peaches, or mango
Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
Cheese slices and tender meats like chicken
Pasta, rice, and oatmeal
Smoothies and yogurt
Soft sandwiches without crusts

7 Safe Tips to Eat with Braces

Study says nutrition has a major role in how you maintain the efficacy of your orthodontic treatment. When you wear braces, it’s not just about choosing the right foods but it’s also about how you eat them.

These clever tips can help you enjoy your meals while keeping your braces safe and sound:

1. Cut Food into Tiny Pieces

Even soft foods like sandwiches or pizza are gentler on your brackets when sliced into small bites. Think bite-sized pieces that you can easily pop in without tearing or pulling.

2. Chew with Your Back Teeth

Your molars are stronger and better at grinding food. Shift most of the chewing toward the back of your mouth; it’s a simple trick that reduces strain on the front brackets.

3. Go Slow and Steady

Take your time with every bite. Eating slowly prevents unnecessary pressure and gives you better control over what you’re chewing.

4. Stick to Forks and Spoons

Avoid biting directly into anything, especially sandwiches or fruits. Instead, use utensils to cut or scoop food; this small habit can help you avoid accidentally knocking off a bracket.

5. Rinse or Brush After Eating

Braces tend to trap food bits. Give your mouth a quick rinse or gentle brush after meals to keep everything clean and prevent plaque buildup.

6. Soften Foods Ahead of Time

Steaming veggies, soaking cereals, or melting cheese on top of pasta can make foods softer, and safer, for your braces. When in doubt, aim for tender and easy-to-chew.

7. Choose Smooth and Creamy Snacks

When you want a snack between meals, pick smooth options like applesauce, pudding, or Greek yogurt. They’re not only brace-friendly but also super tasty.

Ready to Keep That Braces Smile Safe?

The foods you choose make a real difference when you have braces. If you ever feel unsure about what’s safe or need help caring for your smile, we’re here for you.

Book your braces appointment and let’s kick off your smile transformation. We can’t wait to help you shine.

What Can You Not Eat with Braces? [+100 Foods List & Tips]

What to Eat with Braces During the First Week?

Foods You Absolutely Must Avoid with Braces