March 16, 2026
Are you wondering what to eat with braces? Orthodontists use braces, aligners, and other types of orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth, in order to improve not only the aesthetics of the mouth, but also the function of the teeth and jaw. As a patient, you can support the work the orthodontist is doing by eating a nutrient-dense diet that benefits your oral health.
Nutrition and Dental Health
It has long been understood that the food you eat has a significant impact on your dental health. Too much sugar and simple carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay and cavities, which can negatively impact your overall health. While a well-balanced diet is important for every person’s dental health, people undergoing orthodontic treatment should be especially careful about what they eat.
A Diet Rich in Nutrients and Vitamins for Healthy Teeth
When you are wearing braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, limiting your intake of foods that contribute to tooth decay is important. It’s easy for food particles to get trapped beneath your braces, and difficult to thoroughly remove those particles and the plaque caused by sugars and carbohydrates in your food. You should also prioritize foods that support healthy teeth and bones, with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous. These nutrients, found in foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt, will also help strengthen your tooth enamel, counteracting the strain put on it by orthodontia. Eating fruit, vegetables and lean protein can help keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Why Choose Soft Foods for Braces?
Normally, crunchy foods like apples and carrot sticks can promote healthy teeth, but people with braces should avoid these foods, along with other crunchy foods like ice and popcorn. Hard, crunchy foods can damage your braces, so it’s better to eat steamed vegetables, applesauce instead of apples, and soft meats like salmon, which don’t require much chewing. If you are eating meat like chicken or steak, make sure to cut it into small bites, and don’t tear at the meat with your teeth. The bonus of eating soft foods is that because they don’t require much chewing, there won’t be too much stress from the braces rubbing against the inside of your cheeks.
Foods to Avoid with Braces vs Braces Friendly Foods
During orthodontic treatment, think about avoiding anything that could damage your braces. Just as you shouldn’t eat crunchy foods, you should steer clear of sticky, sugary foods and acidic              . Anything that is hard to get off of your teeth or could break your appliances is a bad idea, as is anything that could damage your enamel. There are still plenty of braces-friendly foods that are delicious! Indulge your sweet tooth with a delicious smoothie or some fresh berries, or have something tasty at dinner like a nutritious sweet potato or some warm, comforting soup. No matter what you eat, remember to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help rinse food particles off of your teeth, keeping your mouth clean while also preventing dry mouth.
For Orthodontic Treatment in the Apollo Beach Area, Trust SouthShore Orthodontics
At SouthShore Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional service and excellent results in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Under the leadership of Dr Matt Ahrens, a Board Certified Orthodontist, our team offers treatment that is completely personalized to each patient, with a focus on making each patient’s experience enjoyable. Serving Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, and the surrounding areas, we welcome new patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation, or for more information about all our practice has to offer, contact us through our website.