What Can’t You Eat With Braces?

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a beautiful smile, but it does come with some temporary changes to your eating habits. While you might need to press pause on some of your favorite snacks, don't worry – there are still plenty of delicious foods you can enjoy! Let's explore what foods you should avoid to keep your braces in perfect shape and your orthodontic treatment on track.

Hard and Crunchy Foods to Avoid

Your braces are tough, but they've met their match in hard and crunchy foods! These foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, and send you straight back to the orthodontist for repairs. Here's what to skip:

• Nuts and seeds (including peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds)
• Hard candies and lollipops
• Ice cubes (yes, even if you love crunching them!)
• Hard taco shells and tortilla chips
• Popcorn (especially those pesky unpopped kernels)
• Hard pretzels
• Raw carrots and apples (don't worry - we'll show you how to enjoy these later!)
• Hard bread crusts and bagels
• Hard cookies or crackers
• Corn on the cob

Quick tip: When in doubt, try the "thumb test" - if you can't easily squish the food with your thumb, it's probably too hard for your braces. Remember, taking a break from these crunchy treats now means a faster track to that perfect smile you're working toward!

Sticky and Chewy Foods to Watch Out For

Sticky and chewy foods are like tiny ninjas – they sneak into the nooks and crannies of your braces and can be extremely difficult to clean out. These foods can also pull at your wires and brackets, potentially causing damage. Here's what to avoid:

• Chewing gum (including sugar-free)
• Caramel and toffee
• Gummy bears and other gummy candies
• Fruit roll-ups and fruit leather
• Sticky candy bars (like Snickers or Milky Way)
• Marshmallows and marshmallow treats
• Licorice
• Jelly beans
• Dried fruit (like raisins and fruit snacks)
• Sticky peanut butter or almond butter

Quick tip: If food normally sticks to your teeth, it'll be even more troublesome with braces. When choosing snacks, opt for "clean and clear" foods – those that don't leave residue behind are your best friends during orthodontic treatment.

Acidic Foods and Drinks to Avoid

While acidic foods and drinks won't immediately damage your braces, they can be sneaky troublemakers for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. These items can weaken your tooth enamel and potentially cause discoloration around your brackets. Here's what to limit or avoid:

• Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges)
• Sodas and carbonated drinks (even sugar-free ones!)
• Sports drinks and energy drinks
• Vinegar-based foods (pickles, salad dressings)
• Tomato-based products (pasta sauce, ketchup)
• Citrus juices
• Sour candies

Quick tip: If you do enjoy acidic foods occasionally, use a straw for drinks and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Better yet, wait 30 minutes and then brush your teeth – this gives your enamel time to reharden and prevents brushing from causing additional wear.

Remember, this isn't about never having these foods – it's about being smart about when and how you enjoy them. Moderation is key, and good oral hygiene becomes even more important when these foods are part of your meal.

How to Modify Tough Foods

Just because you have braces doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite foods! With a few smart modifications, you can still enjoy many foods that might otherwise be off-limits. Here's how to make tough foods braces-friendly:

• Cut apples and pears into thin wedges instead of biting into them whole
• Steam or cook raw vegetables until slightly soft
• Cut the corn off the cob
• Slice carrots into very thin strips or cook them
• Cut celery into small, bite-sized pieces

• Remove tough crusts from bread and pizza
• Cut the meat into smaller pieces and remove it from the bone
• Break or cut hard cookies into small pieces and let them soften in milk
• Choose thin-crust pizza over thick, chewy crusts
• Opt for softer tortillas instead of crispy taco shells

Quick tip: Remember to cut foods into bite-sized pieces whenever possible. This simple step can transform many previously forbidden foods into braces-friendly options. Think "smaller bites, safer bites!"

Delicious Braces-Friendly Alternatives

Don't let the "can't eat" list get you down! There are tons of tasty, braces-friendly foods that you can enjoy without worry. Here are some smart swaps and safe snacks that will keep your taste buds happy and your orthodontist smiling:

Instead of Hard Candies:

• Soft chocolate (without nuts or caramel)
• Ice cream or frozen yogurt
• Pudding or gelatin desserts
• Smoothies or milkshakes

Instead of Crunchy Snacks:

• Soft-baked cookies
• Cheese puffs that dissolve easily
• Soft crackers or graham crackers
• Baked chips (in moderation)

Instead of Tough Fruits and Veggies:

• Bananas
• Soft berries
• Canned fruits
• Well-cooked vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce

Instead of Chewy Breads:

• Soft sandwich bread
• Pancakes or waffles
• Muffins (without nuts)
• Pasta and noodles

Quick tip: Keep this list handy when grocery shopping or planning meals. Remember, softer versions of your favorite foods are usually available – you just need to know what to look for!

Special Care Tips

Taking care of your braces while eating doesn't have to be complicated! Here are some essential tips to keep your braces in top shape and make your orthodontic journey smoother:

• Cut Food into Small Pieces: Breaking your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces is a game-changer. Not only does it take the pressure off your braces, but it also makes chewing much more comfortable. Think of it as giving your braces a helping hand – smaller bites mean less work for your hardware and a more enjoyable mealtime for you.
• Chew Slowly and Carefully: Take your time with each bite and chew carefully - your braces will thank you. Try to use your back teeth (those sturdy molars!) for most of your chewing, as they're naturally stronger and less likely to have issues with your braces.
• Check Food Temperature: Very hot or very cold foods can cause discomfort with braces and potentially affect the adhesive that holds your brackets in place. Let hot foods cool down a bit before eating, and take smaller bites of cold treats like ice cream.
• Stay Hydrated: Water naturally rinses away food particles and helps keep those brackets sparkling clean. Make it a habit to take several good sips after every meal or snack. Think of water as your on-the-go cleaning crew, helping maintain that stellar oral hygiene between brushing sessions.
• Use Orthodontic Wax: Got a pesky wire or bracket irritating your cheek? Orthodontic wax is your new best friend! Simply pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it gently over the bothersome area. The wax creates a smooth, protective barrier that allows you to eat comfortably while your mouth adjusts to your braces.

• Keep a Brace Care Kit: Make life with braces easier by packing a small "braces emergency kit" for on-the-go care! Include a travel-sized soft toothbrush, mini toothpaste, orthodontic floss or floss threaders, orthodontic wax, and a compact mirror – all tucked into a clean case or pouch.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Your Alcohol: Smoking can stain your braces and slow down your treatment progress. Similarly, sugary drinks (including alcoholic beverages) can increase your risk of cavities, especially around your brackets. The best path to that perfect smile is sticking to water and maintaining healthy habits.
• Listen to Your Body: Your mouth will let you know what works and what doesn't! If you notice any discomfort while eating certain foods or feel that they are putting extra pressure on your braces, take that as a friendly warning sign to choose something else.

With these simple care strategies in your back pocket, you're well-equipped to protect your braces and keep your treatment on track. Soon enough, you'll be an expert at managing your braces, and that dream smile will be just around the corner!

Emergency Care

Even with the best precautions, emergencies can happen. Here's what to do when things don't go as planned:

• Loose or Broken Bracket: If you notice a loose bracket, stop eating right away. First, check to see if the bracket is still attached to the wire. If you notice any sharp edges that could irritate your mouth, cover them with orthodontic wax for temporary relief. Then, please call us to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
• Food Stuck in Braces: If food gets stuck in your braces, there are several safe ways to remove it. Start by trying to dislodge it gently using dental floss or an interdental brush. A water flosser can be very effective if you have one available. Never attempt to remove stuck food with sharp objects or toothpicks, as this can damage your braces or cause injury to your mouth. If you've tried these methods and the food still won't budge, don't hesitate to contact us for help.
• Wire Problems: If you're experiencing a poking wire, your first step should be to cover it with orthodontic wax for immediate relief. While it might be tempting, never attempt to cut the wire yourself as this could lead to serious complications. If you notice that the wire is severely bent or broken, it's essential to schedule an appointment with us immediately. In the meantime, keep the troublesome wire covered with orthodontic wax until you can get professional care.

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we're here when you need us. If you experience unusual pain or have an appliance problem that you can't resolve, please call us at (208) 378-1300. Many issues can be temporarily managed at home, but it's important to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible to keep your treatment on track.

Thanks to our thorough care approach, our patients experience very few emergencies. But when they do happen, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to help!