Foods to Avoid with Braces
Posted on 10/18/2018
Foods to Avoid After Getting Braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. At Tollgate Orthodontics, we help patients across Warwick and Jamestown, Rhode Island, start that journey every day.
But once your braces are on, what you eat matters more than ever.
Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, and even slow down your treatment—so knowing what to avoid is key.
Why Food Choices Matter With Braces
Braces are designed to move teeth safely and efficiently—but they’re not indestructible.
Eating the wrong foods can:
- Break brackets
- Bend archwires
- Trap food and bacteria
- Increase your risk of cavities
Hard Foods to Avoid With Braces
Hard foods are one of the most common causes of broken brackets.
Avoid:
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candies
- Pizza crust
- Bagels
- Chips
- Hard taco shells
- Raw apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
Pro Tip: If it’s hard to bite into, don’t risk it.
Sticky Foods to Avoid With Braces
Sticky foods are just as problematic—they cling to brackets and are difficult to remove.
Avoid:
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Toffee
- Licorice
- Chewing gum
These foods can pull on brackets and wires, leading to damage.
Sugary Foods & Drinks to Limit
With braces, keeping your teeth clean is more challenging, which makes sugar more dangerous.
Limit:
- Candy
- Cake and cupcakes
- Soda
- Sweet tea
- Sugary drinks
Why it matters:
Sugar feeds bacteria, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, white spots, and tooth decay.
What CAN You Eat With Braces?
The good news—there are plenty of safe, braces-friendly foods.
Stick with:
- Soft fruits (bananas, berries)
- Pasta and rice
- Soft sandwiches and wraps
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Eggs
Choosing the right foods helps protect your braces and keeps your treatment on schedule.
Back-to-School Tip for Braces Wearers
School lunches are where a lot of damage happens.
Avoid packing:
- Crunchy snacks
- Sticky candy
- Hard sandwich bread
Instead, go with:
- Soft wraps
- Cut fruit
- Yogurt or cheese
- Easy-to-chew snacks
A little planning prevents a lot of problems.
How to Protect Your Braces Every Day
Simple habits go a long way:
- Cut food into small pieces
- Chew slowly and carefully
- Brush and floss after meals
- Avoid biting directly into hard foods
Consistency here = faster, smoother results.
Orthodontist in Warwick & Jamestown, RI
At Tollgate Orthodontics, we help patients protect their braces and achieve the best possible results.
We proudly serve:
- Warwick, RI
- Jamestown, RI
- East Greenwich, RI
- Surrounding Rhode Island communities
Have Questions About Eating With Braces?
We’re here to help.
Call 401-739-3900 or schedule your appointment online to make sure your treatment stays on track.
FAQs About Eating With Braces
What foods should you avoid with braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods like popcorn, caramel, chips, and soda.
Can you eat pizza with braces?
Yes—but avoid hard crust. Stick to soft slices and cut into small pieces.
What happens if you eat the wrong foods with braces?
You can break brackets or wires, which may delay your treatment.
Can you eat chips with braces?
It’s best to avoid them, as they are hard and can damage brackets.