Getting braces is a big step toward achieving your dream smile—but it also means making some changes to your diet. Certain foods can damage your brackets, wires, or bands, potentially delaying your treatment and adding unnecessary discomfort. The good news? There are still plenty of delicious foods you can safely enjoy while keeping your braces in perfect shape. Here’s a helpful guide from Beauty Smile Ortho on what to avoid—and what to enjoy—in your braces-friendly diet.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
While it might be tempting to keep eating your favorite crunchy or sticky snacks, these are the main culprits that can damage your braces:
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Sticky Foods – Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and gummy candies can cling to your brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean and easy to damage.
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Hard Foods – Nuts, popcorn, ice, hard candy, and crusty bread can break or bend wires and brackets.
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Crunchy Snacks – Pretzels, chips, and hard taco shells may cause brackets to loosen or come off.
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Chewy Foods – Bagels, licorice, and tough meats can strain your braces and make your teeth sore.
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Sugary Foods & Drinks – Sodas, sweets, and energy drinks promote plaque buildup around your brackets, increasing the risk of cavities and stains.
Avoiding these foods helps protect your braces and ensures your treatment stays on schedule—saving you time and discomfort in the long run.
Braces-Friendly Foods You Can Enjoy
Luckily, there’s a long list of foods that are safe, satisfying, and easy on your braces:
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Soft Fruits – Bananas, berries, applesauce, and melon are gentle and full of vitamins.
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Cooked Vegetables – Steamed broccoli, carrots, and spinach are easy to chew and nutritious.
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Dairy Products – Yogurt, cheese, and milk provide calcium and protein for strong teeth.
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Soft Grains – Pasta, rice, and oatmeal make great braces-safe meals.
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Tender Proteins – Scrambled eggs, ground turkey, fish, and tofu are filling and easy to eat.
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Smooth Treats – Milkshakes, smoothies, and pudding are perfect occasional indulgences.
Tips for Eating with Braces
Cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces. Avoid biting directly into hard fruits or vegetables—slice them instead. Rinse your mouth or brush after eating to remove trapped food particles.
Smile-Friendly Choices for a Healthy Journey
At Beauty Smile Ortho, we want every step of your orthodontic journey to be comfortable and successful. Making smart food choices helps protect your braces and keeps your treatment moving smoothly toward a confident, beautiful smile. If you have questions about what’s safe to eat with braces or need personalized guidance, our team is here to help. Contact Beauty Smile Ortho today—and let’s keep your smile strong, healthy, and on track!