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Why Food Choices Matter With Braces
Wires and brackets are placed carefully to help guide tooth movement. Eating certain foods can result in loosening or breaking brackets, bending or dislodging wires, trapping food particles (making cleaning more difficult), and increasing the risk of plaque buildup around the brackets.
As you can imagine, when these types of issues occur, they can potentially interrupt your progress and may require additional appointments to fix any concerns yourself or your orthodontist may have. A few simple adjustments to your diet can make a huge difference in protecting the progress you have made.
Examples Of Foods to Avoid
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods are one of the most common causes of broken brackets.
Hard Foods:
Biting directly into something firm puts pressure on your braces that they’re not designed to handle.
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes
- Raw apples and carrots
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn
It’s worth noting that you should avoid whole nuts, hard candies, and ice cubes; however, for other food items, you just need to change how you prepare them. For example, you can cut your apple into thin slices, steam or cook your vegetables, and cut the corn off the cob before eating. Making these adjustments will not only help protect your braces but also allow you to continue enjoying these foods.
Sticky Foods:
These types of foods tend to cling to the brackets and wires, not only making them difficult to clean but also increasing the risk of damage.
- Chewing Gum
- Caramel
- Taffy/Chewy Candy
- Toffee
- Dried Fruits
You have to factor in that these types of foods can pull on your brackets or get lodged in tight spaces, making brushing and flossing a challenge. You can overcome this hurdle by choosing to replace the foods with fresh fruit, yoghurt, or pudding for a sweet treat, soft baked goods without sticky fillings.
Keeping your braces free from sticky residue helps maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Chewy Foods:
Any sort of chewy food requires more force to bite or break down, which can cause strain to your braces.
- Bagels
- Tough cuts of meat
- Hard pizza crust
- Licorice
These foods can place prolonged pressure on brackets and wires, increasing the chance of loosening or bending. It may be a better choice to opt for softer foods like bread, tender or well-cooked meats, pasta-based meals, and thin-crust pizza. Cutting food into smaller, bite-sized portions can also reduce any additional strain on your braces.
Sugary & Staining Foods:
While these foods don’t always cause physical damage, they can still impact your overall oral health during treatment. Brackets create small spaces where plaque can accumulate over time. When sugary foods are consumed on a more frequent basis, they can contribute to decalcification, white spots that may appear on teeth after the braces are removed.
- Sugary drinks (soda, sports drinks)
- Candy and sweets
- Dark-coloured beverages (coffee, tea)
- Highly pigmented sauces
Whilst being mindful of the foods listed above, it’s important to remember to enjoy them in moderation, rinse your mouth with water afterward, and maintain consistent brushing and flossing habits. Keeping on top of your oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth healthy.
Safe Foods to Enjoy With Braces
The good news is that there are plenty of delicious, braces-friendly foods you can enjoy every day. Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and peaches are easy on your teeth, while cooked vegetables (steamed or roasted) are a nutritious, gentle option. Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk are also great choices, along with pasta and rice dishes, eggs, and soft breads or baked goods.
These food options are easy to chew and gentle on your braces, making them reliable throughout your treatment.
What to Do If a Bracket Breaks
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire feels out of place, try to avoid touching or adjusting it yourself and stick to soft foods to prevent further irritation or worse damage.
It's best to contact your orthodontic office as soon as possible to arrange a repair. Addressing the issue helps keep your treatment schedule on track and prevents further complications.
It may take some time to adjust your eating habits, but it quickly becomes routine. Choosing the right foods helps protect your braces and keeps your treatment moving forward.