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What Foods Can You Eat With Braces?

Posted in Adults, Braces, British Columbia, General, Orthodontics, Tips & Advice

When you or your child get braces, you may have to adjust your diet when you realize what you can and can't eat. In this article, our BC orthodontists discuss the best foods to eat with braces.

When You First Get Braces

When you first begin your journey with braces, you may find that eating for the first few days may be a bit difficult. Not only will you experience sore gums and teeth, but your bite may already begin to change. This may result in you having difficulty eating all the foods that you love. Additionally, you might not be sure about the best food to eat with braces.

Our BC orthodontists can happily inform you about your new life with braces.

Soft Foods to Eat With Braces

Since you will likely experience some soreness and discomfort, especially in the first few days, soft foods will be your best friend. Soft foods are also the ideal diet throughout your braces treatment. This is because they are less likely to get stuck in your braces or cause damage to your braces which can impact the outcome of your treatment.

Some great soft food options for those with braces include:

  • Soup
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Fruit
  • Cooked Veggies
  • Yogurt
  • Oatmeal
  • Soft Cheeses
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Smoothies
  • Milkshakes
  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Bananas

Foods such as ice cream, citrus fruits, and anything spicy can also be fine to eat, however, you may experience sensitivity throughout the first few days. Thankfully, after your teeth have had a few days to adjust, these foods should be perfectly fine to eat.

Other Foods You Can Eat

There are a variety of great foods you can still enjoy from every food group. Below, our BC orthodontists share a more complete list of all the delicious foods you can still enjoy throughout your treatment.

Meats & Proteins

  • Lunch Meat
  • Fish
  • Meatloaf
  • Shredded Chicken
  • Meatballs
  • Eggs

Dairy

  • Yogurt
  • Pudding
  • Milk
  • Soft Cheeses
  • Ice Cream
  • Dips

Breads & Grains

  • Oatmeal
  • Cereal
  • Pancakes & Waffles
  • Pasta & Rice
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Muffins (without nuts)

Fruits & Veggies

  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Watermelon
  • Grapes
  • Berries
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Steamed Veggies
  • Beans
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Salad

Desserts

  • Marshmallows
  • Soft Cakes
  • Plain Chocolate
  • Chocolate Bars (without nuts or caramel)
  • Soft Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Cups
  • Doughnuts (without nuts)
  • Jello

Other Foods

  • Soup
  • Casseroles
  • Grilled Cheese
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

In addition to all of the foods listed above, there are still a lot of other foods that are perfectly fine to eat. If you are unsure about whether a certain food is appropriate for you to eat, contact your orthodontist to ensure it is okay.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

While there are plenty of foods you can enjoy with braces, there are some foods you should absolutely refrain from eating. Some of these foods include:

  • Hard or Stick Candy
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Pizza Crust
  • Ice
  • Gum
  • Chips
  • Hard Pretzels
  • Bagels
  • Hard Rolls
  • Corn on the Cob
  • On-Bone Meat

Have you been craving a certain food but aren't sure if it is okay for you to eat? Contact our BC orthodontists for clarification. We can help advise you on a proper diet so your treatment can go as smooth as possibly!

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