Eating with braces

Wearing braces won’t put your life on hold, but we do recommend you avoid some foods for the sake of your teeth.

What to eat with braces

• Healthy food! Keep up your intake of fresh fruit and veges. However, biting into a crisp, crunchy apple can damage your braces so cut it into smaller pieces or grate it instead. Other yummy foods to enjoy while you’re having orthodontic treatment include:
  • Smoothies, but try to avoid ones with berry seeds
  • Omelettes
  • Mashed potato and gravy
  • Grated apple
  • Porridge

Foods to avoid

Hard, chewy and sticky foods, including chewing gum, must be avoided when you’re having orthodontic treatment as these have the potential to damage the brackets and wires, thus affecting your treatment. You should also avoid highly acidic and sugary food and drink as this can contribute to plaque buildup and affect the condition of your teeth.

If you’re craving your favourite boiled sweets, try these options as an alternative:

• Yoghurt
• Soft biscuits (or you soften them by dunking them in milk)
• Macaroni cheese
• Grapes
• Pancakes

Most of the time you can eat what you want while having orthodontic treatment, but be sure to brush, floss and rinse after every meal. The only times you may find it difficult to eat is when your teeth are tender after having your braces tightened or a new appliance fitted.