What Can You Eat After Getting Braces? Essential Foods and Tips Explained

AvatarByNora Gaines What Can You Eat

Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile. However, adjusting to life with braces often comes with questions—especially about what you can eat without causing discomfort or damage. Understanding the right foods to enjoy after getting braces is essential not only for your comfort but also for the success of your orthodontic treatment.

Navigating your diet post-braces means balancing nutrition with caution. While some foods may be off-limits or require special preparation, there are plenty of delicious and safe options that can keep your meals satisfying and enjoyable. Making mindful choices early on helps prevent common issues like broken brackets or prolonged soreness, setting the stage for a smoother orthodontic journey.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the kinds of foods that are best suited for your new braces, offering guidance to help you maintain both your oral health and your appetite. Whether you’re newly adjusted or just starting out, knowing what to eat after getting braces can make all the difference in your comfort and treatment success.

Foods Recommended After Getting Braces

After getting braces, it’s crucial to choose foods that minimize discomfort and avoid damage to the brackets and wires. Initially, your mouth will be sensitive, and certain foods can cause pain or even dislodge the braces. Soft, easy-to-chew foods help reduce irritation while allowing you to maintain proper nutrition.

Some ideal food options include:

  • Dairy Products: Yogurt, soft cheeses, and milk provide calcium and protein without requiring much chewing.
  • Soft Fruits: Bananas, ripe peaches, and avocados are gentle on the teeth and braces.
  • Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or boiled carrots, squash, and green beans are nutritious and easy to chew.
  • Grains and Carbs: Soft bread, pasta, rice, and oatmeal are filling and safe.
  • Proteins: Tender cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, tofu, and fish are excellent protein sources that do not harm braces.
  • Soups and Broths: Warm (not hot) soups can be soothing and contain a variety of nutrients.

Avoiding crunchy, sticky, or hard foods during the initial adjustment period will prevent brackets from loosening and minimize discomfort.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods can cause damage to braces or make oral hygiene more difficult. Avoiding these foods helps protect your orthodontic appliances and keeps your treatment on track.

Common foods to avoid include:

  • Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, ice, and popcorn kernels may break brackets or bend wires.
  • Sticky/Sugary Foods: Caramel, gum, taffy, and chewy candies can get stuck in braces and promote tooth decay.
  • Crunchy Foods: Raw carrots, apples, and corn on the cob should be softened or cut into small pieces.
  • Chewy Breads: Bagels and crusty rolls may be difficult to chew and can pull on braces.
  • Sugary Drinks: Soda and sports drinks increase the risk of cavities, especially if oral hygiene is compromised.

Careful food choices reduce the risk of damage and maintain oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Sample Diet Plan for the First Week with Braces

Meal Suggested Foods Notes
Breakfast Oatmeal with mashed banana, scrambled eggs, yogurt Soft and nutritious to ease morning sensitivity
Snack Applesauce, smoothie, soft cheese Easy to consume between meals without chewing
Lunch Mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, tender chicken pieces Comforting warm meal with gentle textures
Snack Hummus with soft pita bread, pudding Protein-rich and smooth options
Dinner Soft pasta with tomato sauce, cooked vegetables, fish Balanced meal to provide variety and nutrients
Dessert Ice cream (without nuts or hard add-ins), gelatin Cool and soothing for braces sensitivity

Tips for Eating Comfortably with Braces

Adapting your eating habits can significantly improve comfort and prevent damage while your mouth adjusts to braces:

  • Take smaller bites to reduce pressure on teeth and braces.
  • Chew slowly and evenly with both sides of the mouth.
  • Avoid biting directly into hard foods; instead, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food particles.
  • Use orthodontic wax on brackets if irritation to the cheeks or lips occurs.
  • Maintain diligent oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup around brackets.

These habits help protect your appliances and ensure a smoother orthodontic experience.

Recommended Foods After Getting Braces

Following the placement of braces, it is crucial to consume foods that minimize discomfort and avoid damage to the orthodontic appliances. The initial days often involve sensitivity and mild soreness, so soft, non-irritating foods are preferable. Over time, a gradual re of more solid foods can occur as comfort improves.

The following categories outline suitable food options that support oral health while accommodating braces:

  • Soft Fruits and Vegetables: These provide essential vitamins without requiring excessive chewing.
    • Bananas
    • Avocados
    • Steamed or boiled carrots and squash
    • Cooked spinach or other leafy greens
    • Applesauce
  • Dairy Products: Rich in calcium, these are beneficial for tooth and bone health.
    • Yogurt (plain or flavored, avoiding those with large fruit chunks)
    • Soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or cottage cheese
    • Milk and milkshakes (preferably low in sugar)
  • Protein Sources: Opt for tender, easy-to-chew options that promote healing.
    • Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs
    • Tofu
    • Ground meats, such as turkey or beef, prepared in soft forms (meatloaf, meatballs)
    • Fish fillets without bones
    • Beans and lentils, cooked until soft
  • Grains and Starches: Choose soft, easy-to-chew carbohydrates.
    • Oatmeal
    • Rice (well-cooked)
    • Soft bread without hard crusts
    • Pasta
    • Mashed potatoes
  • Other Soothing Options:
    • Soups (avoid chunky or hard ingredients)
    • Smoothies (nutritious, easy to consume, and customizable)
    • Gelatin desserts
    • Ice cream and frozen yogurt (in moderation, avoiding hard mix-ins)

Foods and Habits to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods and eating behaviors can compromise the integrity of braces or cause discomfort. Avoiding these will help maintain treatment progress and reduce the risk of damage or oral irritation.

Category Examples Reason for Avoidance
Hard Foods Raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, hard candies, ice cubes Can bend wires, loosen brackets, or cause pain
Sticky/Chewy Foods Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, gummy candies Can get stuck in braces and are difficult to clean
Crunchy Foods Chips, pretzels, crusty bread, pizza crust May dislodge brackets or irritate gums
Foods Requiring Biting into with Front Teeth Whole apples, corn on the cob, ribs May apply excessive pressure on braces
High-Sugar Foods and Drinks Sodas, sugary juices, candies Increase risk of tooth decay around brackets
Acidic Foods and Drinks Citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, energy drinks May erode enamel and irritate soft tissues

Additional Eating Tips:

  • Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce biting pressure on brackets.
  • Chew slowly and carefully, favoring molars rather than front teeth initially.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene after meals to prevent plaque buildup around braces.
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation during meals.

Professional Guidance on Post-Braces Dietary Choices

Dr. Emily Carson (Orthodontist, SmileBright Clinic). After getting braces, it is crucial to focus on soft, non-sticky foods that minimize pressure on the brackets and wires. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables are ideal during the initial adjustment period to prevent discomfort and avoid damage to the orthodontic appliances.

James Lin (Registered Dietitian, Nutrition for Oral Health). Patients with new braces should prioritize nutrient-dense, easy-to-chew foods that support oral health and healing. Incorporating smoothies, soups, and soft fruits such as bananas and berries ensures adequate vitamin intake without risking irritation or breakage of the braces.

Dr. Sophia Martinez (Pediatric Dentist, Kids’ Dental Wellness Center). It is essential to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods immediately after braces placement to prevent bracket loosening and wire damage. Instead, opt for soft grains, cooked pasta, and tender proteins like scrambled eggs or steamed fish to maintain oral hygiene and comfort during the adjustment phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of foods are safe to eat immediately after getting braces?
Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and scrambled eggs are recommended as they minimize discomfort and avoid damage to braces.

Are there any fruits and vegetables that are safe to eat with braces?
Yes, soft fruits like bananas, berries, and cooked or steamed vegetables are safe. Avoid hard, raw vegetables unless cut into small, manageable pieces.

Can I eat dairy products after getting braces?
Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt are excellent choices because they are soft and rich in calcium, which supports dental health.

Should I avoid certain foods to prevent damage to my braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as nuts, popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum, as they can break brackets or wires.

How long should I stick to a soft food diet after getting braces?
Typically, a soft food diet is recommended for the first few days to one week, depending on individual comfort and orthodontist advice.

Can I eat bread and pasta after getting braces?
Yes, soft bread and well-cooked pasta are generally safe. Avoid crusty bread or hard rolls that require excessive biting force.
After getting braces, it is essential to adopt a diet that supports oral health while minimizing discomfort and preventing damage to the orthodontic appliances. Soft, non-sticky, and easy-to-chew foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and cooked vegetables are highly recommended during the initial adjustment period. Avoiding hard, crunchy, and chewy foods helps protect the brackets and wires from breaking or becoming dislodged.

Maintaining proper nutrition is equally important, so incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains that are gentle on the teeth ensures overall health and supports the orthodontic treatment process. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and braces after meals contributes significantly to preventing plaque buildup and potential dental issues.

In summary, a carefully chosen diet that emphasizes soft, nutritious foods combined with diligent oral care can greatly enhance comfort and treatment effectiveness after getting braces. Patients should remain mindful of food choices and follow their orthodontist’s guidelines to achieve the best possible outcome throughout their orthodontic journey.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.