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January 10, 2020

Foods You Can Eat with Braces

When you have braces, it’s best to stick to soft foods that won’t damage the brackets or wires. Here are some great options:

Soft Foods

Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Pasta
Soft cheeses
Yogurt
Oatmeal

Cooked Vegetables

Steamed carrots
Soft spinach
Mashed sweet potatoes
Boiled broccoli

Soft Fruits

Bananas
Berries
Applesauce
Grapes (cut into small pieces)

Protein Options

Soft-cooked chicken
Meatloaf
Tofu
Beans and lentils

Treats and Snacks

Pudding
Soft cake
Ice cream (without nuts or hard toppings)
Smoothies

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Certain foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, leading to discomfort and additional visits to the orthodontist. Avoid these foods to keep your braces in good shape:

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Popcorn
Nuts
Hard candies
Chips
Ice

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Gum
Caramel
Gummy candies
Chewy bagels
Taffy

Foods That Require Biting into

Whole apples (cut them into slices instead)
Corn on the cob (remove kernels before eating)
Hard rolls and baguettes
Raw carrots (should be cooked or grated)

Sugary Foods and Drinks (in Excess)

Soda
Sugary juices
Sticky sweets
Excessive chocolate (especially with caramel or nuts)

Tips for Eating with Braces

Cut food into small pieces to avoid unnecessary pressure on brackets.
Chew with your back teeth instead of biting directly into foods.
Avoid using your front teeth for hard or large foods.
Brush and floss regularly to prevent food from getting stuck in braces.
Drink plenty of water to wash away food particles and maintain oral hygiene.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your braces intact while still enjoying a variety of delicious foods. Have patience, and soon enough, you’ll have the beautiful, straight smile you’ve been working toward!

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