Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthy, confident smile, but it also means learning to care for them properly. One of the biggest parts of braces care is knowing what foods to avoid. Certain foods can break brackets, bend wires, or make cleaning your teeth harder.
At Cold Lake & St. Paul Orthodontics, we help children, teens, and adults through every stage of their braces treatment. With the right food choices and good habits, your braces will stay strong and your smile will stay healthy.
Why food choices matter with braces
When you wear braces, your brackets and wires are designed to gently move your teeth into alignment. Hard or sticky foods can damage those parts, which could delay your progress and lead to extra visits for repairs. Eating the right foods helps you avoid unnecessary discomfort and keeps treatment on track.
Foods to avoid with braces
Here’s a guide to common foods that can cause trouble and why:
| Type of Food | Examples | Why to Avoid |
| Hard Foods | Nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice | Can break brackets or wires |
| Sticky Foods | Caramel, toffee, chewing gum | Stick to braces and are hard to clean |
| Crunchy Foods | Raw carrots, apples (whole), corn on the cob | Put too much pressure on brackets |
| Chewy Foods | Bagels, licorice, tough meats | Can loosen wires and pull brackets off |
| Sugary Snacks | Soda, candy, sweet desserts | Increase risk of cavities around brackets |
Foods you can enjoy
Even though some foods are off-limits, you still have plenty of tasty options. Try these braces-friendly choices:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and applesauce
- Cooked vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and potatoes
- Dairy products like yogurt and cheese
- Soft grains and pastas
- Tender meats or fish cut into small pieces
Eating soft foods reduces the risk of damaging your braces and makes chewing more comfortable, especially right after adjustments.
Tips for eating with braces
- Cut food into small pieces: This keeps pressure off your braces.
- Avoid biting into hard items: Use a fork and knife instead of your front teeth.
- Brush and floss after every meal: It prevents plaque from forming around brackets.
- Use orthodontic wax if needed: It can help protect your mouth from irritation.
These small steps make a big difference in keeping your braces clean and damage-free.
Quick Recap
- Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage braces.
- Choose soft, healthy foods that are easy to chew.
- Maintain good brushing and flossing habits.
- Always follow your orthodontist’s instructions to keep treatment on schedule.
At Cold Lake & St. Paul Orthodontics, our team helps patients care for their braces from start to finish. If you have questions about what foods are safe or need extra tips for keeping your braces clean, visit our offices in St. Paul or Cold Lake, AB for friendly, expert care.