What Can You Not Eat With Braces?

If you've ever wondered, "What can you eat with braces?" Then you've probably also wondered, "What can you not eat with braces?" These are both valid question to ask when wearing braces because certain foods can easily damage or break them.

Can you answer these questions on your own? If not, keep reading this article to learn what can you not eat with braces and what can you.

Things You Can’t Eat With Braces

The most important rule when it comes to eating with braces is to avoid hard and crunchy foods such as raw apples, nuts, popcorn and candy like jawbreakers. Chewy and sticky foods should also be avoided as they can become stuck in your braces, resulting in cavities or other dental issues. These include gummy bears, caramels, licorice, taffy, chewing gum and chewy granola bars.

In addition to avoiding these types of food altogether while you have braces on, there are some that need special attention when eating:

• Corn on the cob: You will want to either cut the corn off the cob, or break it into small pieces.
• Hard bread: Instead of biting into a crusty baguette, opt for softer options instead.
• Pizza: Instead of using your teeth to bite through a slice, try cutting it in smaller pieces with a knife and fork.
• Fruits and vegetables: Raw apples, carrots and celery should be cut up before eating as they can easily damage your braces.

What Can I Eat With Braces?

While there are certain things you cannot eat with braces on, there are plenty that you can! Soft foods such as mashed potatoes and cooked veggies are great choices when wearing braces. Other soft food ideas include: scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, casseroles, soft fruits (like bananas or kiwis), yogurt, ice cream, pudding and soups.

One of the best things about living with braces is that you can still have all your favorite foods—you just have to be mindful about how you eat them! With a little bit of creativity and some practice in cutting up certain foods before eating, you'll find that living with braces is not as challenging as it may seem at first.

Now that you know what can and cannot be eaten while wearing braces, it's time to get creative in the kitchen! Be sure to talk to your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns about specific food choices related to your braces. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy all your favorite dishes while keeping your braces safe and intact.

Can you eat gum with braces?

No, you should not eat gum with braces. Chewing gum can get stuck in your braces and lead to cavities or other dental problems. Additionally, chewing gum can cause the wires of your braces to become dislodged. It is best to avoid eating any type of chewy food while wearing braces. 

If you are craving something sweet, opt for softer options like a pudding cup or yogurt instead!  Be sure to talk to your orthodontist if you have any questions about specific foods related to your braces.

Can you eat ice cream with braces?

Yes, eating ice cream with braces is allowed. However, it is important to use caution when consuming any type of cold food or drink while wearing braces. Eating things like ice cream and popsicles can cause the wires and brackets to become loose or damaged. If you must enjoy a cold treat, try to limit your consumption and be sure to brush your teeth afterward. 

Additionally, opt for soft serve options instead of hard scooped ice cream as this will be easier on your braces. Talk to your orthodontist if you have any concerns about specific foods related to your braces.

Can you eat chocolate with braces?

Yes, you can eat chocolate with braces. However, it is important to stick to soft chocolate options like milk or dark chocolate bars instead of hard candy. Additionally, avoid any chewy or sticky treats such as caramels or taffy as these can easily become stuck in your braces and lead to cavities or other dental issues.  Be sure to talk to your orthodontist if you have any questions about specific foods related to your braces.  With the right precautions and a little bit of creativity, you can still enjoy all your favorite treats while wearing braces!

What Can You Not Eat With Braces?

When wearing braces, there are certain foods you should avoid to prevent damage or discomfort. These include: hard candy, popcorn, nuts and seeds, gum, corn on the cob, hard breads and pizza crusts, sticky foods such as taffy and caramels, raw fruits and vegetables (unless they’re cut into small pieces), ice cream cones or popsicles. 

Additionally, any chewy or crunchy food can be difficult to eat with braces and should be avoided. 

As for foods that you can eat, there are plenty of soft foods that you can enjoy while wearing braces! Soft foods such as mashed potatoes and cooked veggies are great choices when wearing braces. 

Other soft food ideas include: scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, casseroles, soft fruits (like bananas or kiwis), yogurt, ice cream, pudding and soups.

Remember to use caution when eating any type of food with your braces on and be sure to talk to your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns about specific food choices related to your braces. With the right precautions and a bit of creativity in the kitchen, you can still enjoy all your favorite dishes while wearing braces!

If you're in the Tucson, Arizona, area, schedule your smile assessment now with Wilde Orthodontics. Dr. Brian Wilde is an American Association of Orthodontics board-certified orthodontist ready and willing to help with all of your orthodontic needs.