Eating Recommendations For Orthodontic Patients

We are often asked if people who wear braces can still eat and drink most things. The answer is yes – as long as you are careful, you can still enjoy most foods and drinks. There are, however, a small number of things that we recommend you avoid eating or drinking while you are having orthodontic treatment, for the health of your teeth and to minimise the chance of damaging brackets or wires.

Eating with braces, hard foods to avoid

Avoid Hard Foods

  • Popcorn
  • Corn chips
  • Nuts
  • Hard lollies
  • Pizza Crust
  • Corn-on-the-cob
  • Hard biscuits

Hard foods will break brackets, damage wires and loosen the cement under the brackets and bands.

Eating with braces, sticky foods to avoid

Avoid Sticky Foods

  • Liquorice
  • Caramel
  • Chewing gum
  • Dried fruit
  • Chewy lollies
  • Sticky muesli bars

Sticky foods can damage orthodontic appliances by bending wires and pulling brackets or bands loose.

Eating with braces, sweet foods to avoid

Brush And Rinse After Sweets

  • Lollies
  • Ice cream
  • Cakes and cupcakes
  • Soft drinks
  • Fruit juice
  • Sugary cereals
  • Milkshakes

If you eat foods which are high in sugar, always brush your teeth afterwards. If you are unable to brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Eating with braces, foods to eat with care

Eat With Care Foods

  • Carrot sticks – cut into curls
  • Apples – slice into thin wedges
  • Hard breads – take small bites and chew carefully
  • Meats – take small bites and chew carefully
  • Crackers – take small bites and chew carefully
  • Peanut butter – “smooth” only, no crunchy