What Can I Eat with Braces?

Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a healthier and straighter smile. But adjusting to life with braces includes changing your eating habits. The food choices you make can directly impact your comfort, oral hygiene, and the effectiveness of your braces.

In this blog, we will see what can I eat with braces, especially during the first few days, and how to maintain a braces-friendly diet throughout your treatment. We will also cover home remedies, expert tips, and clear answers to common questions.

What to Eat with Braces the First Week?

The first week of getting braces can be challenging. Your mouth may feel sore, and adjusting to the new appliance takes time. During this period, soft and easy-to-chew foods are your best option.

Best food to eat after braces tightening or placement:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Soups (not too hot)
• Applesauce
• Smoothies

These soft foods for braces help reduce discomfort while keeping your nutrition intact. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky.

Foods You Can Eat with Braces

A good braces eating list includes foods that are soft, nutritious, and less likely to damage the brackets or wires.

List of foods you can eat with braces:

• Cooked vegetables
• Pasta
• Soft fruits like bananas and peaches
• Fish with braces (like salmon or tilapia)
• Rice
• Soft bread (without a hard crust)
• Cheese

These foods are also ideal for kids with braces, making meal prep easier and safer.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Knowing what not to eat with braces is just as important.

Foods to avoid with braces:

• Hard candy and nuts
• Popcorn for braces
• Sticky gum
• Crunchy chips and tacos
• Raw carrots and apples
• Ice cubes
• Hard crust pizza

Snacks to Eat with Braces

Brace-friendly snack ideas:

• Soft fruits with yogurt
• Applesauce
• Cheese cubes
• Boiled eggs
• Pudding

These snacks are great for both kids with braces and adults.

How to Eat with Braces?

Adjusting how you eat helps prevent problems:

• Cut food into small pieces
• Chew slowly with your back teeth
• Avoid biting into whole fruits or hard items

Knowing how to eat with braces keeps your treatment on track.

What Candy Can You Eat with Braces?

Sweet cravings are common, but most candy types are harmful to braces.

Safe options:

• Chocolate (without nuts or caramel)
• Marshmallows (soft and small portions)

Can you eat chocolate with braces? Yes, if it’s soft and not sticky.

Common Food Questions With Braces

Can you eat chips with braces? It depends. Most hard chips can damage brackets. Instead, try softer alternatives:

• Baked potato chips
• Puffed rice snacks
• Thin veggie chips

What chips can you eat with braces? Only soft, non-crunchy versions in moderation.

Can you eat marshmallows with braces? Occasionally, make sure to clean your teeth afterwards.

Can you eat popcorn with braces? It’s best to avoid it. Kernels can get stuck or break your wires. If you want some, opt for hull-less versions in very small amounts.

Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes, but only soft crust pizza. Avoid crunchy edges and hard toppings. Stick to simple cheese or veggie toppings.

Can you eat gum with braces? It’s not recommended. Sticky gum can bend wires and dislodge brackets. Even sugar-free options should be avoided.

Can I chew gum with braces? No—wait until your treatment is complete.

Can you eat Takis with braces? No. They are crunchy and spicy, and can damage braces. Opt for softer spicy snacks if needed.

Can you eat steak with braces? Tough meats like steak are difficult to chew and can strain your braces. Go for soft-cooked meat like shredded chicken or fish.

Can you eat cereal with braces? Yes, if softened with milk. Avoid dry and crunchy varieties.

Can you eat ice cream with braces? Absolutely. It’s soft and soothing for soreness, especially right after adjustments. Just avoid nuts, caramel, or hard add-ons.

Can you eat Oreos with braces? If softened in milk. Otherwise, they’re too crunchy and might break brackets.

Home Remedies for Soreness After Braces

You may experience pain or soreness after getting or tightening braces. Here are some remedies:

Effective home remedies:

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Use orthodontic wax to avoid irritation
• Apply a cold compress to the cheeks
• Eat cold foods like smoothies or ice cream

What Not to Do After Getting Braces Off?

After removal, avoid hard or sticky foods until your teeth settle. Also:

• Wear your retainer
• Avoid biting nails or pens
• Continue good oral hygiene

Foods You Can vs. Can’t Eat

Foods to Eat with Braces	Foods to Avoid with Braces
Yoghurt, eggs, soft bread	Hard candy, nuts, popcorn
Cooked veggies, pasta	Raw carrots, apples
Soft fruits, fish, rice	Crunchy chips, hard pizza
Cheese, smoothies	Gum, sticky candy

Summary

Eating with braces doesn’t have to be difficult. Focus on soft, non-sticky foods to protect your braces and reduce discomfort. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or hard. Whether you’re wondering what to eat with braces the first week or looking for braces-friendly snacks, this guide covers it all. Consult your dentist to avoid confusions and complications. With the right choices, your braces journey can be smoother and more comfortable.