When wearing braces, it’s essential to choose foods that won’t damage the braces or get stuck in them. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst foods to eat while wearing braces:
• Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, peaches, and oranges.
• Dairy: Yogurt, soft cheese, and milkshakes.
• Soft Grains and Pasta: Cooked pasta, rice, oatmeal, and soft bread (without crusts).
• Vegetables: Mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables (like steamed carrots, spinach, and broccoli), and vegetable soups.
• Protein: Soft-cooked meats like chicken or fish, eggs, tofu, and beans.
• Snacks: Soft muffins, pancakes, or smooth nut butter.
Worst Foods to Eat with Braces:
• Hard Foods: Nuts, raw vegetables (like carrots or celery), hard candies, and popcorn.
• Chewy/Sticky Foods: Gum, caramel, toffee, taffy, or gummy candies.
• Crunchy Foods: Chips, pretzels, and hard taco shells.
• Sugary Foods: Sugary snacks that can easily get stuck in braces and lead to cavities (e.g., cookies, cake, and ice cream with hard toppings).
• Foods that Require Biting: Whole apples, corn on the cob, and hard rolls.
It’s important to cut food into smaller pieces and avoid anything that could potentially break the braces’ wires or brackets.
