Getting braces doesn’t mean saying goodbye to all your favorite snacks. While a few foods need to be avoided, plenty of delicious and braces-friendly options are still on the menu.
This leads to a common question: What junk food can you eat with braces? Doctor Polina Ingberman at Brace Central says, “There is a lot of junk food that can be eaten with braces, like potato chips and soft chocolates. Hard or sticky junk food should be avoided.”
Not sure which snacks are safe for braces? Brace Central is here to help. With our expert guidance, you can indulge in treats without damaging your braces.
Why You Need to Be Careful with Braces
Braces are important for straightening teeth and fixing your smile. But they can be delicate too. Certain foods can damage them and cause problems like broken wires or loose brackets. This can delay your treatment and require additional adjustments.
Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods are the most problematic. For example, biting into hard candy can snap a wire, while sticky caramel can adhere to braces and increase the risk of cavities.
Choosing your food wisely is essential for keeping your braces in good condition. The great news? You don’t have to give up all your favorite snacks. Many junk foods are perfectly safe for braces.
Safe Junk Foods You Can Enjoy with Braces
Just because you have braces doesn’t mean you have to give up junk food completely. The key is selecting soft snacks and enjoying them in moderation. Here are some junk foods you can safely enjoy:
Soft Snacks
Thin, crispy potato chips and cheese puffs are excellent choices as they are easy to chew and dissolve in the mouth. Soft pretzels are another great option, especially when warm and fresh. These items don’t put too much pressure on your teeth.
Soft pretzels are also a fantastic option. They’re easy to bite into, especially if they’re warm and fresh. Always take small bites and chew gently to protect your braces.
Sweet Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of desserts that are safe for braces. Plain milk or dark chocolate is a great option if it doesn’t have nuts, caramel, or crunchy bits. Soft candy bars like Three Musketeers are safe as well.
Soft desserts like ice cream, pudding, cupcakes, or brownies are also gentle on braces. You may also try soft fruit snacks or a slice of pie with no hard crust. Just be sure to avoid hard toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or candy bits, which could damage your braces.
Other Safe Options
Even fast-food items can be safe for braces if eaten carefully. Soft hamburgers are fine if you avoid biting directly into crunchy lettuce or pickles. Pancakes, waffles, or soft tacos are also safe options that let you indulge without damaging your braces.
Fries and onion rings are generally safe too if they’re not overly crispy. For pizza lovers, go for a soft crust and avoid hard or chewy toppings like sausage or pepperoni. Always remember to cut larger foods into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
Junk Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sticky Foods
Sticky snacks, such as caramel, taffy, and gummy candies, are particularly harmful to braces. They can stick to brackets and wires and increase the risk of plaque buildup and cavities.
Hard Snacks
Hard foods can easily break wires or loosen brackets. Popcorn kernels, nuts, and hard candies are some of the most dangerous snacks that can damage your braces. Avoid biting into hard crusts, whether on bread, pizza, or bagels. The force you need to chew these foods can harm your braces.
Chewy or Crunchy Foods
Chewy and crunchy foods put too much pressure on your braces. Beef jerky, crunchy granola bars, and raw vegetables like carrots are common examples. They can bend the wires or make brackets pop off. If you can’t resist, make sure they’re very soft or broken into small pieces. However, it’s better to avoid them completely.
Tips for Eating Junk Food Safely with Braces
- Before eating, cut your food into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to chew without putting too much pressure on your braces.
- Avoid biting directly into hard or large pieces of food. Instead, chew gently to prevent damage.
- Sugary snacks can leave residue on your teeth and braces. Make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly after eating to prevent cavities.
- Occasional treats are fine with braces. However, you should balance indulgent snacks with nutritious meals to help maintain overall oral and general health.
Get Expert Orthodontic Care at Brace Central
At Brace Central, we’re committed to making orthodontic care simple and stress-free. We know that getting braces can feel overwhelming initially. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way, from selecting the right braces to teaching you how to care for them effectively.
Our experts offer personalized tips to help you eat safely and avoid common issues like broken wires or loose brackets.
If you have questions about braces, food restrictions, or orthodontic care, our team is ready to help. Contact Brace Central today or visit us to learn how we can make your braces experience smooth and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long after getting braces can I eat normally?
A: It may take a few days to adjust to braces. During this time, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soups. Once the soreness fades, you can slowly reintroduce other foods.
Q: What should I do if food gets stuck in my braces?
A: Use a small interdental brush or floss threader designed for braces to gently remove the food. Avoid using sharp objects, as they can damage your braces or gums.
Q: Can I chew gum while wearing braces?
A: It’s better to avoid gum. Even sugar-free gum can stick to your brackets or wires, making it hard to clean and possibly damaging your braces.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your orthodontist for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.