Foods to Avoid with Braces (2025 Updated List)

When you first get braces fitted, figuring out what you can and can’t eat can feel a bit like navigating a minefield. One minute you’re contemplating enjoying your favourite snack, and the next you’re worried you’ll damage something. In truth, certain foods and drinks you’ve enjoyed your whole life can now damage the brackets and wires of your newly applied braces. Avoiding this damage is crucial because if your braces break or dislodge, it can significantly set back your treatment time and possibly cost you more money.

This blog article outlines the core foods to avoid with braces and provides an updated list of foods to reconsider right now, ensuring you stay on course to getting that perfect smile you’re working towards. Remember, braces consist of delicate hardware that relies on brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth into place. A bit of care now means better results later, and nobody wants to spend longer in orthodontic treatment than necessary.

Why do certain foods cause damage?

The general rules are straightforward: Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. But why, exactly, do these cause problems?

Hard foods are the main culprits. Anything hard has the propensity to damage or break the brace when you chew down, risking bending wires or popping off a bracket. Think of your braces like carefully positioned scaffolding: One strong impact and the whole structure can shift.

Sticky foods create a different problem. These items attach to the brackets and wires and make cleaning much more difficult. Sticky soft foods, which are often sugary, can lead to bacterial build-up and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Having braces makes it harder to clear this plaque away, which is why these foods can damage your oral health even if they don’t break the appliance directly.

Chewy items combine both of the above risks. They pull at your brackets while also getting lodged in hard-to-reach spots, creating a perfect storm for both mechanical damage and hygiene issues.

Another important reminder: Avoid chewing on non-edible items like pens, pencils, or fingernails. These habits can harm your braces just as much as the wrong foods.

Early stages of orthodontic treatment: The first few days

You need to be mindful of your diet from the moment of getting braces, but there’s a difference between foods avoided in the first few days (due to teeth sensitivity) and those avoided for the entire braces treatment.

In the early days, your teeth may be tender for the first week. During this time, stick to soft foods until the discomfort subsides. You’ll also want to avoid extremes of temperature (like piping hot beverages or ice cream straight from the freezer) and highly acidic items like citrus fruits, which can irritate your mouth when you have new braces.

Initially, you may also need to avoid sizeable cuts of meat or chunky bread rolls that require significant effort when biting down. The good news? These items can usually be enjoyed later, once you’ve adjusted to chewing with braces. So, what food not to eat after getting braces is mostly about managing tenderness rather than permanent restrictions.

Detailed list of foods to avoid with traditional metal braces

Here’s what to steer clear of throughout your treatment with traditional metal braces:

Hard and crunchy items

These can damage the brackets by applying too much force:

• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews)
• Hard chocolate (like solid Dairy Milk chocolate bars, Maltesers or chocolate with nuts)
• Hard biscuits, cookies, or crackers
• Crisps, especially thicker-cut varieties
• Pretzels
• Brittle foods such as taco shells
• Ice (yes, even if you love crunching it!)

Sticky and chewy items

These can pull appliances away or get stuck in your braces:

• Chewing gum
• Liquorice and caramels
• Hard or chewy sweets and candy (like Wine Gums, Jelly Babies, Crunchie bars)
• Toffee
• Fudge

Biting foods and tough textures

These risk putting too much pressure on the front teeth:

• Biting directly into whole apples
• Corn on the cob
• Hard bread items like hard rolls, Yorkshire puddings and bagels
• Sourdough crusts and harder pizza crusts
• Raw carrots (unless cut into smaller pieces)

Can you eat popcorn with braces?

Generally, eating popcorn with braces is advised against as it poses a specific risk.

Why? The kernels can become lodged in your gums underneath the bracket or get stuck in your braces, potentially causing swelling or infection. Even the soft, fluffy bits can harbour those rock-hard kernels that spell trouble.

That said, hulless popcorn (made from a smaller, more tender kernel) may be safer if you’re really craving it to snack on while enjoying a movie. Just use moderation and be extra thorough with cleaning afterwards.

In summary, these types of food are best to avoid throughout your entire treatment. Your future self (and your orthodontist) will thank you.

How to still eat your favourite foods: Adapting your meals

Rest assured that the list of foods to be avoided doesn’t mean a bland diet. You can still eat many of your favourite foods with a few clever adaptations.

The key is adapting to eating foods by cutting hard items into smaller pieces before eating. Carrots and apples can be cut into bite-sized pieces or cooked until they’re softer. Corn can be sliced off the cob. Pizza crust can be trimmed if it’s too chewy.

Another useful tip: Use your back teeth when chewing, rather than putting strain on the braces by biting with your front teeth.

Brace-friendly meals and snacks

There are plenty of foods to eat with braces that won’t cause trouble, including:

• Soft breads, muffins and pancakes
• Soft cheeses (like whipped cottage cheese) and yoghurt
• Yoghurt ‘bark’ (frozen yoghurt spread thin)
• Pudding and custard
• Rice, pasta and noodles
• Mashed potatoes and other soft veggie mashes
• Jacket potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Tender poultry, meatballs and fish
• Cottage pie, shepherd’s pie, fish pie
• Baked feta pasta (softened)
• Filleted salmon or tuna
• Scrambled eggs
• Baked beans on toast
• Bananas (including banana “nice cream”) and other soft fruits
• Porridge
• Protein smoothie bowls
• Softened Weetabix
• Cucumber sushi rolls

For snacks with braces − and snacks for kids with braces − think soft-texture choices. For example, soft cheese with crackers, houmous and pitta, steamed apple or pear slices, or smoothies. Peanut butter is fine as an alternative to whole nuts, and there are plenty of braces-friendly recipes UK families can try that focus on softer preparations.

The golden rule? If you need to eat something harder, cut it into smaller pieces to avoid putting pressure on your brackets and wires. A little preparation goes a long way.

What to drink with braces to avoid discolouration

Yes, what you drink with braces matters too. Limiting sugary drinks is crucial because they can lead to tooth decay and dental erosion, especially around brackets where plaque loves to hide.

Drinks to avoid with braces include:

• Fizzy drinks and carbonated drinks: These are high in sugar and acidic, leading to erosion and potential staining around your brackets.
• Sports drinks: They’re often loaded with sugar (despite their healthy image).
• Sugary fruit juices: Note that natural doesn’t always mean tooth-friendly

But if you choose to drink fizzy drinks or similar beverages occasionally, use a straw to minimise contact between the drink and your teeth and braces.

What about staining?

Highly pigmented foods may also stain parts of your braces. Curries rich in colour (thanks to turmeric or mustard), red wine and dark sauces can all leave their mark. While this won’t damage the appliance, it’s not ideal aesthetically.

Your safest bets are still water and milk products. These support oral health without the risk of damaging your teeth and braces. Remember, certain foods may look harmless, but hidden sugars and acids can cause problems over time.

Braces vs. aligners: Eating with removable appliances

If you’re considering clear aligners or Invisalign instead of traditional braces, there’s good news on the food front. Aligners are removed for eating, meaning patients can eat normally and enjoy a greater variety of food without restriction on hard or sticky items.

The catch? You must brush your teeth and cleanse them thoroughly before reinserting your clear aligners. This is one of the “dos and don’ts” of Invisalign treatment, as any food particles or sugar left on your teeth will be trapped against them, increasing decay risk.

Even with clear braces, patients should still steer clear of certain foods and drinks that are high in sugar or acid to prevent damage to the underlying teeth. So while you have more freedom, you’re not completely off the hook when it comes to dental health.

Orthodontic emergencies: What to do if you damage your appliance

Braces are designed to be fairly robust, but if you eat something you shouldn’t, damage to the brackets and wires can occur. Wires, brackets and bands can become loose.

If damage occurs, there’s no need to panic. Most dental emergencies can be easily repaired. Here’s what to do:

Immediate post-meal care: Rinse with water immediately after eating to dislodge stray bits of food that are stuck around your braces.

Post-meal cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush and interdental brushes to clean between wires and teeth. Make sure you brush at least twice a day, paying extra attention to the areas around brackets.

When to call your orthodontist: If you’re concerned about any damage, contact your orthodontist immediately for a check-up or minor readjustment. Using rubber bands incorrectly or damaging the braces can increase treatment time, so it’s better to address issues quickly.

Let us help you on your journey with braces

Life with braces doesn’t have to be a chore, and wearing braces doesn’t mean bland food. You just need to be careful about your choices. The primary goal is to avoid damaging the brace by choosing the best options and adapting when necessary.

Got questions about managing mealtimes during your orthodontic journey? We’re here to assist. Book a FREE consultation with Hampstead Orthodontic Practice and we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about caring for your braces, from that first day to your final reveal.

FAQs

Can you eat popcorn with braces?

Generally, no. Popcorn kernels can get stuck in your braces or lodged under brackets, potentially causing swelling or infection. Hulless popcorn made from smaller, tender kernels may be safer, but you’ll need to clean thoroughly afterwards and eat it sparingly.

What are the best braces-friendly meals?

Stick to soft options like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, tender poultry, meatballs and fish. Soft breads, muffins, yoghurt and soft cheeses are also great choices. The key is avoiding anything that requires hard biting or excessive chewing.

What foods should I avoid in the first few days after getting braces?

Your teeth will be tender initially, so stick to soft foods like smoothies, soups and mashed vegetables. Avoid temperature extremes (hot drinks or ice cream) and acidic foods like citrus fruits. You can gradually reintroduce other safe foods as the tenderness subsides.

Can I still eat chocolate with braces?

It depends on the type. Soft chocolate that melts easily is fine, but avoid hard chocolate bars or chocolate with nuts, caramel, or crunchy bits. These can damage brackets or get stuck in your braces, making cleaning difficult.

What drinks should I avoid with braces?

Limit fizzy drinks, carbonated beverages and sports drinks as they’re high in sugar and acidic, leading to tooth decay and potential staining around brackets. If you do drink them occasionally, use a straw. Your best choices are still water and milk.

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