If you have recently had braces fitted, you do not need to completely change the way you eat, but there are certain foods that are best avoided while your teeth are being straightened. Hard, sticky and particularly crunchy foods can damage brackets or wires, while sugary foods can increase the risk of tooth decay around the braces.
Braces are designed to withstand everyday eating, but they are not indestructible. Knowing which foods to leave alone can help prevent broken brackets, uncomfortable wires and unnecessary visits to your orthodontist. It can also make it easier to keep your teeth clean throughout treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is very common in the UK. The British Orthodontic Society reports that more than 200,000 children and teenagers in England and Wales receive NHS orthodontic treatment each year, alongside growing numbers of adults choosing private treatment.
What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces?
The simplest rule is to avoid anything that is extremely hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy. Foods such as nuts, hard sweets, toffee, caramel and chewing gum can put pressure on brackets and wires or become trapped around the appliance.
You should also be careful with foods that are normally perfectly healthy but require a strong bite. Raw apples and carrots, for example, are better cut into small pieces rather than bitten directly with your front teeth. The same applies to crusty bread, pizza crusts and similar foods.
Carrots are better cut into small pieces rather than bitten directly with your front teeth.
Can You Eat Popcorn With Braces?
It is generally recommended that you avoid popcorn while wearing fixed braces. The kernels and hard pieces can put pressure on the brackets, while small pieces can become lodged around the wires and between your teeth.
Even if you normally eat popcorn without any problems, it is probably not worth taking the risk during orthodontic treatment. There are plenty of softer snacks available, so consider choosing yoghurt, soft fruit, a smoothie or another brace friendly option instead.
Can You Eat Chocolate With Braces?
You do not necessarily have to give up chocolate completely when you have braces. However, the type of chocolate you choose and how often you eat it matter.
Soft chocolate that melts easily is generally a better choice than hard chocolate, chocolate containing nuts or very sticky varieties. Chocolate bars containing caramel, toffee or crunchy pieces are best avoided because they can put additional pressure on the braces.
The bigger concern is often the sugar. Sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay, particularly when they are eaten frequently throughout the day. NHS guidance recommends limiting sugary foods and drinks, while orthodontic advice highlights the importance of keeping teeth and braces clean.
If you fancy some chocolate, having a small amount after a meal is a better approach than repeatedly snacking on it throughout the day. Afterwards, clean your teeth carefully, paying particular attention to the areas around the brackets.
Are Crisps And Hard Snacks Safe With Braces?
Crisps can be tricky because some varieties are very crunchy and can place pressure on the appliance. Hard tortilla chips and similarly crunchy snacks are best avoided, particularly if you are tempted to bite down heavily.
If you do have a softer snack, try to chew gently using your back teeth rather than biting directly into food with your front teeth. Cutting food into smaller pieces can make a surprisingly big difference.
What Can You Eat Instead?
There are still plenty of foods to enjoy while wearing braces. Pasta, rice, yoghurt, cheese, soft fruit, cooked vegetables, eggs, soups and softer meals are all sensible choices. You can also make harder foods easier to manage by cooking them until tender or cutting them into smaller pieces.
Good oral hygiene is just as important as your food choices. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and using interdental brushes can help remove food and plaque from around the brackets and wires.
There are still plenty of foods you can enjoy while wearing braces.
How Can Preventive Dental Help While You Have Braces?
Having braces does not mean your normal dental care should stop. Regular examinations and professional advice are important throughout orthodontic treatment, particularly if you are finding it difficult to keep certain areas clean.
At Preventive Dental, our team can provide ongoing dental care and advice to help you look after your teeth and gums while your smile is being straightened. If you are unsure whether a particular food is suitable for your braces, we can also give you guidance based on your individual treatment.
