Types of Foods You Can Eat With Braces

Orthodontic braces, simply known as "braces," are dental devices that are placed in the mouth to straighten a person's teeth. When a patient is fitted with braces, there are certain foods that will damage braces or reduce their effectiveness, and which should be avoided. These include nuts, peanut butter, sticky foods, or anything that has a high sugar content. However, there are certain foods that can be eaten with braces on.

• Dairy Products - Milk, yogurt and sugar-free ice cream (such as ice cream sweetened with Sucralose) are safe foods to drink and eat when one is wearing braces. Custard, cottage cheese, and any other kind of soft cheese, are also safe. Hard cheeses like cheddar can be eaten if they are broken up or softened first.


• Meats - Ground beef is safe for people with braces to eat. Non-fried chicken and chicken breast nuggets are also okay with braces. Meatballs, meat loaf, and quiche without crust, are some examples of foods with meat that can be eaten.


• Breads - Bread products can be eaten as long as they are not whole grain breads. Some breads will need the crust removed to prevent it from getting caught between the teeth and braces. Pancakes and some kinds of crackers may also be eaten. Pizzas with soft crusts are okay with braces.


• Desserts - Apple sauce is safe to eat with braces. Pudding is another dessert that is safe. Brownies are good as long as they use Sucralose and not real sugar. 


• Vegetables - The key to eating vegetables when wearing braces is to eat soft vegetables. Anything boiled is safe. Red beans and rice, and most types of well-cooked squash such as zucchini or acorn squash can be eaten, as long as the skin is not eaten.