What You Can’t Eat with Braces: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Teeth

Wearing braces is an important step towards a perfect smile, but let’s not kid ourselves: it also means making some sacrifices, especially with food. If you’ve just started orthodontics or you’ve been wearing them for a while and you’re still wondering “what can’t I eat with braces?”, here’s a guide with everything you need to know.

And yes, I know the idea of giving up certain things doesn’t sound fun at all, but it’s better than having to make extra trips to the orthodontist because a bracket has come off. Let’s look at it all in detail.

Forbidden foods for people with braces

Why do some foods damage braces?

When you wear braces, the teeth aren’t the only thing you have to look after: the wires, elastics and brackets also need attention. Some foods can pull off the brackets, bend the wires or simply make eating uncomfortable and painful.

In general, the main enemies of braces are:

• Hard foods that can break or loosen the brackets.
• Sticky foods that get trapped and are hard to clean.
• Foods that need a strong bite, such as whole sandwiches or uncut apples.

A list of foods to avoid with braces

If you want to avoid emergency trips to the dentist, these are the foods it’s best to set aside (or at least eat with great care):

• Hard nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts.
• Hard and sticky sweets (goodbye, toffees and chewy sweets).
• Crusty bread and whole sandwiches (don’t worry, there are ways to eat them without problems).
• Pizzas with a very hard crust.
• Popcorn (the husks can get stuck between the brackets and be a nightmare).
• Whole carrots or apples (better to cut them into small pieces).

If you follow this list, you’ll save yourself more than one headache (and toothache).

Can you eat sandwiches with braces?

Good question. And the answer is… yes, but carefully.

Types of sandwiches suitable for braces

If you love sandwiches and don’t want to give them up, there are ways to adapt them to make them safer with orthodontics:

• Opt for soft bread instead of baguettes or very crusty breads.
• Cut the sandwich into small pieces instead of biting it directly.
• Fill it with soft ingredients such as ham, soft cheese or avocado.

That way you’ll avoid putting too much pressure on the brackets and reduce the risk of them coming off.

Tips to enjoy sandwiches without damaging your braces

If you don’t want to give up a good sandwich, here are some tricks:

• Avoid big bites and chew with your molars instead of using your front teeth.
• Use sliced bread or softer versions instead of rustic bread.
• Always keep a toothbrush or mouthwash to hand to clean off any food debris afterwards.

Alternatives to the forbidden foods with braces

All is not lost. Although there are things you should avoid, there are plenty of alternatives that are just as tasty and safe for your orthodontics.

Soft, safe substitutes for snacks and meals

• Instead of hard nuts, opt for nut butters or chopped nuts in yoghurt.
• If you love apples or carrots, cut them into small pieces or cook them a little to soften them.
• Fancy some chocolate? Better without whole nuts and without sticky caramel.
• For sandwiches, sliced bread or wheat tortillas are safer options.

Easy, braces-friendly recipes

If you need ideas for meals that won’t damage your braces, here are some options:

• Smoothies and yoghurts with chopped fruit (nutritious and risk-free).
• Mashed potato, pumpkin or avocado to go with any meal.
• Omelettes, scrambled eggs or vegetable soups as a light dinner option.

General tips for eating with braces

If you follow some basic habits, you’ll not only avoid accidents, but also make sure your treatment progresses without problems.

Healthy habits during orthodontic treatment

• Eat slowly and chew well to avoid putting extra pressure on the brackets.
• Avoid biting with your front teeth whenever you can.
• Drink plenty of water to help wash away trapped food debris.

How to clean your braces after every meal

Food gets trapped more easily when you wear braces, so cleaning is key:

• Brush after every meal with an orthodontic brush.
• Use floss with a threader or interdental brushes to remove stubborn debris.
• Don’t forget the mouthwash, especially if you’ve eaten something sticky or sweet.

Frequently asked questions about food and braces

What to do if a bracket breaks because of a food?

If a bracket comes off while you’re eating, don’t panic. First, try to carefully move it aside if it’s hanging and call your orthodontist as soon as possible. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side and don’t try to fix it yourself.

How long after getting braces can you eat normally?

The first few days can be uncomfortable because the teeth are sensitive, so it’s best to opt for soft foods such as soups, purées or yoghurts. After a week or so, you’ll be able to eat more normally, but always with care.

Conclusion: eating with braces without problems is possible

Having braces doesn’t mean you have to give up enjoying food, but you do need to adapt some habits. Avoiding certain foods will save you problems and make the treatment more effective and faster. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to eat without worries and without surprises at the dentist.

And remember, a perfect smile is well worth a little patience. Look after your braces and your mouth will thank you for it!