Starting orthodontic treatment requires a few adjustments, especially in what you eat. Some foods can damage your brackets or wires, while others are perfectly safe and easy to enjoy. The good news is you don’t have to give up all your favorites. Here’s what you can eat with braces, what to skip for now, and whether it’s really OK to chew gum.

Can You Chew Gum With Braces?

For a long time, the rule was simple: no gum. Sticky, sugary gum was used to pull off brackets and bend wires, which meant extra office visits. Thankfully, things have changed.

Modern braces and adhesives are much stronger than they used to be, and sugar-free gum has improved, too. If you choose gum made with xylitol, you can usually enjoy a piece now and then without harming your braces. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that doesn’t feed the bacteria that cause cavities. It can even help stimulate saliva, which keeps your mouth fresh and your teeth protected.

Still, moderation matters. A quick piece for fresh breath is fine, but chewing gum all day can stress your braces and tire your jaw. If gum ever gets stuck, rinse with warm water and gently brush it away. Never use a sharp object to remove it.

If you’re unsure what type of gum is safest, talk to our team at Petrous Orthodontics. We’ll help you find options that keep your breath fresh without slowing down your treatment.

The Best Foods to Eat With Braces

You might be surprised by how many foods are still on the menu. The key is to focus on softer textures that don’t pull or crunch against your brackets.

Fruits and vegetables:

• Bananas, seedless grapes, melons, berries, cooked apples, applesauce, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, cooked broccoli

Proteins:

• Chicken, meatballs, scrambled eggs, fish, lunch meats, tofu

Grains and starches:

• Soft breads, tortillas, muffins, pancakes, rice, pasta, oatmeal

Dairy:

• Yogurt, milk, smoothies, soft cheeses, cottage cheese

Treats:

• Ice cream, pudding, soft cookies, cake without nuts, cheesecake

If you’ve just had an adjustment and your teeth feel sore, try cold foods like smoothies or frozen yogurt for a few days. They soothe your mouth and make chewing easier.

Foods to Eat Carefully

Some foods are fine with a bit of preparation. Cutting or cooking them properly helps you enjoy the flavor without the risk.

• Apples and pears: Slice them thin or cut them into small pieces.
• Corn: Remove it from the cob before eating.
• Pizza: Skip the hard edges and focus on the soft center.
• Carrots and broccoli: Steam or roast them until tender.
• Meat on the bone: Pull it off before eating.

A few small changes can save you from a broken bracket later.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

There are a few foods that just don’t mix well with brackets and wires. Most are sticky, hard, or crunchy enough to loosen your braces or bend a wire.

Sticky or chewy foods: Taffy, caramel, chewy candy bars, licorice, gum with sugar, granola bars, and sticky protein bars.
Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, hard taco shells, crusty bread, jerky, hard candies, ice.
Crunchy foods: Hard crackers, chips, pretzels, raw carrots.
Sugary drinks: Soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks can stain teeth and increase your risk of cavities.

If you’re craving something crunchy, look for softer alternatives. Try baked chips, puffs, or popcorn-flavored rice cakes.

What To Do If You Eat the Wrong Thing

It happens. A bracket breaks, a wire pops out, or something sticky gets caught. Don’t panic. Call our office and let us know what’s going on. We can help you schedule a quick repair or give you advice on what to do at home until your next visit.

Avoid trying to fix braces on your own. Small adjustments with the wrong tool can cause more damage.

Braces-Friendly Treats and Swaps

You don’t have to skip dessert or snack time. Here are some ideas our patients love:

• Swap caramel for chocolate syrup on ice cream.
• Try milkshakes, pudding cups, or soft brownies instead of chewy candy.
• Enjoy fruit smoothies for a sweet, healthy treat.
• Choose muffins or cupcakes over hard cookies or granola.

You can still enjoy food. It just takes a little creativity.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy During Treatment

No matter what you eat, brushing and flossing daily is the most important step in keeping your teeth clean and your braces in good shape. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to clean around each bracket.

If food tends to get stuck, a water flosser or interdental brush can make cleaning easier. Regular checkups with your orthodontist will also help catch small issues before they turn into big ones.

Expert Braces Care in Royal Oak, MI

At Petrous Orthodontics, we want your braces experience to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of treatment, from the foods you eat to the day your braces come off.

If you ever have a question or concern about what’s safe to eat, give us a call. We’re happy to help.

Ready for your next visit? Schedule an appointment with our Royal Oak office today.

FAQ: Eating With Braces