What You Should and Shouldn’t Eat With Braces
Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. But once your braces are on, it’s important to understand how your eating habits might need to change. At RockCenter Orthodontics, home of the braces NYC trusts, we guide every patient through the dos and don’ts of life with braces, especially when it comes to food. Knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat with braces can make a big difference in how comfortable your treatment is and how smoothly it progresses.
Why Food Choices Matter With Braces
Braces are strong enough to shift your teeth, but they still require care and protection. Certain foods can damage wires or brackets, increase your risk of cavities, or lead to unnecessary discomfort. That’s why adjusting your diet is a key part of protecting your investment and your smile.
Dr. Hung, a leading NYC orthodontist, helps each patient at RockCenter Orthodontics learn how to make smart food choices that support successful treatment. Whether you just got your braces or need a refresher on best practices, here’s what you should and shouldn’t eat with braces.
Foods You Should Eat With Braces
During the first few days after getting your braces, your teeth and gums may feel sore. Even after you’ve adjusted, it’s important to stick with foods that are easy on your brackets and wires. Here are some braces-friendly foods that are both safe and satisfying:
Soft Fruits and Cooked Vegetables
- Bananas, berries, and seedless grapes
- Steamed broccoli, carrots, or squash
- Applesauce and mashed potatoes
These provide essential nutrients without the risk of damage to your braces.
Dairy Products
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Milkshakes (skip the crunchy toppings!)
Dairy is not only gentle on your braces but also rich in calcium, which helps keep your teeth strong throughout treatment.
Protein Options
- Eggs
- Soft-cooked chicken or fish
- Tofu and beans
Protein is vital for oral tissue health, and these sources are easy to chew and safe for braces.
Grains and Pasta
- Cooked pasta and rice
- Soft bread (without hard crusts)
- Oatmeal, couscous, and polenta
Stick to soft, non-crunchy grains to avoid putting pressure on your brackets.
Sweet Treats (in moderation)
- Pudding
- Gelatin
- Smooth ice cream (without nuts or hard candy bits)
A little sweetness is okay, as long as you brush afterward to prevent plaque buildup.
Foods You Shouldn’t Eat With Braces
When it comes to protecting your braces, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to enjoy. The wrong foods can damage wires, pop off brackets, or lead to tooth decay, extending your treatment time and causing unnecessary discomfort.
- Hard Foods
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Ice (never chew it!)
- Hard candies
- Raw carrots or apples (unless thinly sliced or cooked)
Biting into hard foods can break wires or dislodge brackets. Stick with softer alternatives or prep hard foods so they’re safe to eat.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
- Gum
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Gummy candy
These can get caught in your braces and are very difficult to clean off, increasing your risk of cavities.
Crunchy Snacks
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Corn on the cob
- Crusty bread or bagels
These snacks can snap wires and damage brackets. If you’re craving something crunchy, try softer alternatives like cheese puffs or baked veggie chips.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Candy (especially sticky types)
Excess sugar feeds harmful bacteria, which can lead to white spots, decay, and gum problems, especially around brackets where it’s harder to brush thoroughly.
Tips for Eating With Braces
- Cut Your Food Into Small Pieces: Make things easier on your teeth and braces by cutting sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Chew Slowly and Carefully: Avoid biting with your front teeth — use your back teeth and take your time while eating.
- Drink Water Frequently: Water helps rinse food particles from your teeth and braces, reducing plaque buildup.
- Brush After Every Meal: Food can easily get trapped in your braces. Brushing and flossing after meals help prevent decay and keep your treatment on track.
Braces NYC Patients Trust — With the Right Guidance
At RockCenter Orthodontics, we know that changing your eating habits isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the smartest steps you can take for a successful outcome. When patients choose our office for the braces NYC relies on, they receive expert guidance from Dr. Hung and our team, from the first consultation to the final retainer fitting.
We’re here to make sure you not only get a straighter smile but also enjoy a healthy mouth during every phase of your treatment. With the right knowledge and some smart food swaps, life with braces can be just as enjoyable and delicious.
Let’s Protect Your Smile Together
Have questions about what you can eat with braces? Need help navigating your dietary changes? Contact RockCenter Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation or follow-up visit. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your treatment, our team is here to help you make confident choices every step of the way.
Your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile starts with smart habits — and we’re here to guide you through all of them. Trust the practice behind the braces NYC smiles about.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.