Braces don’t mean giving up all your favorite foods—but they do mean getting smart about what’s on your plate. 

Crunchy snacks and sticky treats? Best avoided. Soft, easy-to-chew meals? That’s your new best friend. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what to eat (and what to skip) so your braces stay safe and your smile stays strong.

What can I eat with braces?

With braces, stick to soft foods like pasta, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces or cause discomfort.

Key Takeaways

• You can still enjoy a wide range of foods while wearing braces, but it’s essential to choose foods that won’t damage your braces or cause discomfort.
• Soft foods are the best choice, especially right after getting your braces or after an adjustment.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can get stuck in your braces or cause damage.

Soft Foods That Are Braces-Friendly

When you first get your braces or after an adjustment, your teeth may feel sore, so it's best to stick to soft foods that require little to no chewing. 

These foods are not only gentle on your teeth but also won’t put too much pressure on your braces.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent option for braces. It’s soft, easy to eat, and comes in a variety of flavors. 

Opt for plain or low-sugar versions if possible to avoid added sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. 

Greek yogurt is also a great option because it contains more protein, making it a nutritious snack.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a soft, comforting food that won’t put a strain on your braces. 

You can enjoy them as a side dish or make them more substantial by adding butter, cheese, or even some gravy. They’re easy to chew and won’t irritate your braces or your gums.

Soup

Soup is another braces-friendly meal that is both soothing and easy to eat. Choose soups that are soft and smooth, like tomato soup or cream-based soups. 

Be cautious of soups with hard or crunchy ingredients, like croutons, and avoid those with chunks that could be tough on your braces.

Scrambled Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and easy to prepare. Scrambled eggs, in particular, are soft and easy to chew. 

You can add cheese or vegetables to make them even more enjoyable, but make sure the veggies are soft enough to avoid straining your braces.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a perfect breakfast option for braces. It’s soft, nutritious, and easy to eat. 

Braces can cause some discomfort, especially in the first few days after getting them or following adjustments. You can still enjoy soft, soothing foods—just steer clear of anything too crunchy. You can add honey, fruit, or nuts (if soft enough) to change up the flavors. Just be cautious with crunchy toppings like granola that might hurt your braces. If you’re wondering, do braces hurt, the answer is yes—but only temporarily and it gets easier over time.

Foods You Can Enjoy Without Worrying

Once your teeth start adjusting to the braces, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet. These foods are not only safe for your braces but also healthy and delicious.

Soft Fruits

Soft fruits like bananas, peaches, and pears are great choices when you have braces. They’re gentle on your teeth and easy to chew. 

Apples and pears can be tricky due to their firmness, so be sure to slice them into small pieces to make them easier to eat.

Pasta

Pasta is another soft food that’s easy on your braces. You can enjoy a variety of pasta dishes, from spaghetti to macaroni and cheese, without worrying about damaging your braces. 

Just be sure to avoid pasta with hard, crunchy toppings or sauces with large chunks of meat or vegetables.

Fish and Poultry

Soft fish like salmon or flounder, as well as tender poultry like chicken or turkey, are excellent protein sources that won’t cause any discomfort when you have braces. 

Make sure to cook them until they’re soft and tender to make them easier to chew.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get a variety of nutrients while keeping things easy on your teeth. 

You can blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and even protein powder into a smooth, delicious drink. Just avoid adding hard chunks of ice or whole fruits that are difficult to chew.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

While you can still enjoy many foods with braces, there are some that you should avoid. Certain foods can damage your braces or cause discomfort. Here’s a list of foods to stay away from:

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Hard foods, like nuts, popcorn, and ice, can damage your braces and wires. 

They can also get stuck in your braces, making it difficult to clean your teeth properly. If you love nuts, try grinding them into small pieces before eating them.

Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramel, chewing gum, and taffy can get stuck in your braces, making it difficult to clean your teeth. 

These foods can also pull the brackets off your teeth, leading to damage or longer treatment times.

Chewy Foods

Chewy foods like bagels, licorice, and pizza crust can be challenging to eat with braces. 

The chewing motion required for these foods can put pressure on your braces and may cause discomfort.

Hard Fruits and Vegetables

While fruits and vegetables are healthy, hard ones like apples, carrots, and celery can be difficult to eat with braces. 

These foods require a lot of chewing, which can hurt your teeth or get stuck in your braces.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay, which is a bigger concern when you have braces. 

Sticky candies, sugary sodas, and sweetened coffee can leave residue on your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities. Always rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I eat pizza with braces?

Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but be sure to avoid hard crusts. Opt for soft pizza crust and take small bites to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.

2. Can I drink coffee with braces?

You can drink coffee with braces, but try to avoid adding sugar or milk, as these can contribute to plaque buildup. Always rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee to prevent staining.

3. Can I eat ice cream with braces?

Yes, ice cream is generally safe to eat with braces. Just be cautious of crunchy toppings or hard pieces of chocolate that may damage your braces.

Conclusion

While wearing braces may limit some of your food choices, it’s still possible to enjoy a variety of tasty and nutritious foods. 

By sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods and avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy items, you can continue enjoying your meals without damaging your braces or causing discomfort. 

With a little planning and care, eating with braces doesn’t have to be a challenge.