Whether you're the newest member of the braces club or your appointment to get them is looming on the calendar, you're probably wondering, "What can I eat with braces?" If your brain is spinning with questions like "Can you eat popcorn with braces?" or "What candy can you eat with braces?", don't stress. You're not alone, and Denterity's got your back (and your brackets).
While you're working hard to perfect your smile, you'll have to keep in mind the brand-new menu of dos, don'ts, and delicious detours. In this article, we'll dive into all the foods you can enjoy, the ones to dodge, and how to keep your braces squeaky clean after every bite.
The Big Question: What Can You Eat With Braces?
First things first: exactly what can you eat with braces? The good news is that there is plenty to enjoy! The trick is choosing foods that are softer, easy to chew, and won't mess with your wires or brackets.
Here are some tasty options that your braces and your tastebuds will love:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and applesauce
- Cooked veggies like carrots, green beans, and squash
- Pasta (hello mac 'n cheese!)
- Smoothies are super refreshing and tooth-friendly
- Yogurt or pudding (these are especially good options for sore days)
- Mashed potatoes and other soft comfort foods
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream and milkshakes for treat days
These foods are gentle on your braces and are delicious to boot.
What Should You Avoid Eating with Braces?
It's just as important to ask "What can you eat with braces?" as it is to know what you can't eat with braces. These are the foods that can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in your hardware.
Here's a list of foods to stay away from or modify as long as you have metal in your mouth:
- Hard candy
- Nuts are hard to chew and even harder on brackets, so chop them up first
- Sticky stuff like caramels and taffy
- Crunchy snacks like hard pretzels or raw carrots
- Corn on the cob is fine as long as you cut the corn off the cob first
- Tough breads like bagels
- Pizza crusts are doable, just tear off the chewy parts
Still wondering, "Can you eat chips with braces?" It depends. Some thin, softer chips are okay in moderation. But crunchy, sharp ones can do a number on your braces, so try to avoid those.
FAQs and Their Answers
Let's tackle some of the most common and important teen-braces questions.
1. Can you eat gum with braces?
Sadly, most orthodontists will say nope to gum. It's sticky, stretchy, and can get caught around your brackets and wires, making it a nightmare to clean. Even sugar-free gum can do damage. If you're absolutely dying for that minty-fresh feeling, try mouthwash or sugar-free mints instead.
2. Can you eat popcorn with braces?
We get that movie night just isn't the same without popcorn. But can you eat popcorn with braces? Not really. Those sneaky little kernels are brace-breakers waiting to happen, and husks can wedge themselves into places you didn't know existed. Try puffed corn snacks or soft popcorn alternatives to get your fix without the risk.
3. Can you eat chips with braces?
As mentioned earlier, this one's tricky. So many teens ask us, "Can you eat chips with braces?" and the honest answer is yes, but choose wisely. Go for softer options, avoid sharp or super crunchy chips, and maybe crush them up into smaller bites. Your brackets will thank you.
4. What candy can you eat with braces?
While sticky, chewy, or super hard candies are off-limits, you still have some options when that sugar craving strikes. What candy can you eat with braces? Try these:
- Chocolate (plain, without nuts or caramel)
- Peanut butter cups
- Soft mints
- Marshmallows
- Nougat candies (if soft)
Keep in mind that moderation is key, and brushing afterward is super important.
Pro Tips: Cleaning Up After You Eat
Now that you know the answer to "What can you eat with braces?", let's talk about cleanup. Because let's be honest, finding your leftovers stuck in your brackets is not the vibe.
Here's how to keep your smile sparkling and your orthodontist proud:
1. Brush After Every Meal
Carry a travel toothbrush or use Denterity's on-the-go ortho kit. Focus on brushing around each bracket and along the gumline. A toothbrush with soft bristles works best.
2. Master the Floss Game
We know that flossing with braces sounds impossible, but learning how to floss with braces is crucial. Use floss threaders or ortho picks to get under the wires. It takes patience, but your future smile is so worth it.
3. Rinse With Water or Mouthwash
Swish it like you mean it! This helps dislodge food particles and freshens your breath. Pro tip: Keep a mini bottle of mouthwash in your backpack for school.
4. Check the Mirror
Before you head back to class or hang out with friends, take a quick peek in the mirror to clear out any lingering lunch.
Snack Swaps That Won't Wreck Your Braces
Love crunchy snacks but hate the consequences? Here are some ideas to swap for your favorites:
Brace-Breakers
Brace-Friendly Swap
Popcorn
Puffcorn or rice cakes
Chips
Baked chips, soft veggie straws
Caramels
Chocolate squares
Apples (whole)
Sliced or baked apples
Nuts
Nut butters
Gum
Sugar-free mints
These alternatives are Denterity-approved and give you the same flavor and crunch satisfaction without any orthodontic accidents.
Enjoy the Journey to Your Perfect Smile With Denterity
If you're still wondering, "What can I eat with braces?", hopefully you're relieved to find out it's way more than you may have thought! You may have to swap some old favorites for new substitutes, but having braces doesn't mean you'll have to stop snacking. Just snack a little smarter. Remember that softer foods are your friend, sticky foods are your enemy, and your toothbrush and floss are your new best friends.
And if you're ever stuck wondering, "What can't you eat with braces?" or "Can you eat gum with braces?", just swing by Denterity.com. We've got all the answers plus a ton of tools to make your journey with braces a lot smoother.
