Patient Education
WhatCanYouEatWithBraces?FoodstoEnjoyandFoodstoSkip
Written by Dr. Thao Vu
Reviewed by Dr. Judy Nguyen
·October 28, 2026
A practical list of foods you can eat with braces, foods that break brackets, and tips for the first sore days, from Bloom's board-certified orthodontists in Long Beach and Garden Grove.
With braces you can eat most soft and cooked foods, including pasta, eggs, soups, soft cheese, fish, bananas, berries, yogurt, and most chocolate. Skip anything hard, sticky, or difficult to bite into, such as hard candy, caramel, popcorn, nuts, ice, and crusty bread, because those foods can break brackets or bend wires.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that each time a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, it can set treatment back. A few habits keep you on schedule.
Foods to Enjoy
| Category | Good choices |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies |
| Mains | Soft-cooked pasta, soups, flaky fish, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables |
| Snacks | Bananas, berries, soft cheese |
| Treats | Ice cream, most chocolate, pizza with a soft crust |
The AAO says cold treats like ice cream can also ease some of the pressure from new wires.
Foods to Skip
- Hard candy and ice. Biting down can crack a bracket.
- Sticky candy. Taffy and caramel cling to braces and can loosen brackets.
- Popcorn. Kernels catch in brackets and wires.
- Nuts, chips, and pretzels. Hard and crunchy foods can break brackets.
- Raw crunchy produce. Cut apples and carrots into small pieces, or cook them until soft.
- Bagels, hard rolls, and crispy pizza crust. Dense, tough bread strains the hardware.
- Chewy meat. Cut it into bite-sized pieces first.
The First Few Days
Teeth often feel sore after braces go on and after adjustments. The AAO suggests starting with soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies, and cutting food small so you are not biting with your front teeth.
Everyday Habits
- Chew slowly and use your back teeth.
- Rinse with water after eating to clear food from around the brackets.
- Carry a travel toothbrush or use a water flosser after meals.
- Drink water through the day to keep your mouth clean.
If Something Breaks
Call the office. A loose bracket is usually fixed at your next visit, or we book a repair. See what to do about a broken bracket.
Braces at Bloom
Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who go over eating and care at placement in our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices. Learn about traditional braces on our metal braces page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat pizza with braces?
Yes, if the crust is soft. The AAO says to avoid crispy, hard crusts.
Can I eat chocolate with braces?
Most chocolate is soft enough to eat. Skip chocolate with nuts, caramel, or a hard crunch.
What should I eat the first day with braces?
Soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, eggs, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes are easiest while teeth are sore.
Can I chew gum with braces?
Gum is sticky and can cling to brackets, so check with your orthodontist first.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, What Can I Eat With Braces?
- Bloom details: Metal braces, Clear braces
Getting braces soon? Book a free consultation at our Long Beach or Garden Grove office.
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