Eating with Braces

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Eating the right foods is just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to caring for your braces. At Seattle Braces, Dr. C. Neil Nicholson helps patients protect their appliances and get the best possible results by recommending smart food choices throughout treatment.

Why Food Choices Matter

Braces are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Certain foods can bend wires, break brackets, or cause discomfort — which can delay your treatment. Avoiding the wrong foods helps keep your orthodontic progress on track and minimizes emergency visits.

What to Avoid with Braces

Here are some foods to steer clear of while wearing braces:

Sticky Foods

  • Caramel

  • Chewing gum

  • Taffy

  • Gummy candies

Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces and pull on wires or brackets, leading to damage or cavities.

Hard Foods

  • Nuts

  • Ice

  • Hard candies

  • Popcorn kernels

  • Raw carrots or whole apples (unless cut into small pieces)

These foods can crack or loosen parts of your braces, and may be difficult to clean around.

Crunchy Snacks

  • Chips

  • Hard pretzels

  • Crusty bread (like baguettes)

  • Corn on the cob (cut off the cob if you want to enjoy it)

Crunchy foods can put too much pressure on your brackets and wires.

Braces-Friendly Alternatives

You don’t have to give up flavor or fun while wearing braces. Try these orthodontist-approved alternatives:

✅ Soft fruits (bananas, berries, applesauce)
✅ Cooked veggies (steamed carrots, mashed potatoes)
✅ Dairy (yogurt, cheese, milkshakes)
✅ Soft grains (pasta, rice, soft bread)
✅ Lean, tender meats (chicken, meatballs, fish)

Eating softer, non-sticky foods will keep your braces intact and your smile progressing smoothly.

Tips for Eating with Braces

  • Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces

  • Chew slowly and carefully

  • Avoid biting into hard items with your front teeth

  • Rinse and brush after meals to prevent food buildup

Protect Your Braces — Protect Your Progress

Following these food guidelines may seem like a big change, but it’s a temporary step toward a lifetime of better oral health and a straighter smile. If you ever have questions about what’s safe to eat, just ask Dr. Nicholson or any team member at Seattle Braces. Call (206) 722-5000 if you need help or experience an issue with your braces.