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Our orthodontist recommends specific foods to eat with braces so that your bands, archwires, and brackets will not be damaged. Eating these foods will also help to prevent tooth decay during the treatment, while still providing you with the proper nutrition.

Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fruit and vegetables can be a challenge, but there are still ways to make them much easier to eat. Our orthodontist recommends cutting whole fresh fruits and vegetables into tiny pieces and chewing with your back molars. However, some individuals prefer to stick to very soft fruits, such as bananas, grapes, and strawberries. Hard fruits and vegetables can always be cooked to a soft stage, or put into a juicer for a nutritious drink.

Cereals, Grains, Nuts and Seeds

Whole grains provide essential nutrients and our orthodontist recommends eating these foods consisting of grains, nuts and seeds.

  • Soft, healthy breads without the crust and cut into tiny bite size pieces
  • Biscuits and crescent rolls are much easier to eat than hard rolls and bagels
  • Creamy nut spreads; for example, peanut butter, almond butter and hazelnut chocolate spread
  • Nuts, seeds and whole grains can be ground or finely chopped before adding to a recipe, so they won’t get stuck in between the braces
  • Soft cereals are recommended; oatmeal and cream of wheat are ideal

Dairy Products

Because they are extremely soft, easy to eat, and high in calcium, dairy products are an excellent choice of foods for orthodontic patients. People that are lactose intolerant can eat soy-based dairy foods. An example of dairy products to consume would be:

  • String cheese, cottage cheese and other soft cheeses
  • Healthy milkshakes
  • Small amounts of butter and sour cream
  • Low-fat milk
  • Plain or frozen Yogurt without sugar
  • Sugar-free pudding

Meat and Eggs

Foods such as meat and eggs provide much-needed protein and iron in our daily diets. Eggs, especially egg whites, are an ideal source of protein for orthodontic patients. They can be scrambled, poached, boiled, deviled or fried. Only tender cuts of boneless meats cut into tiny bites are recommended by our orthodontist, because meat can be very painful and difficult to chew. Some of the meats suggested are:

  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Seafood
  • Soft lean beef and pork
  • Tofu and cooked beans are also a good choice of protein

Desserts and Candy

Hard, sticky and gummy candies and desserts should always be avoided, because they can damage your orthodontic work. Only soft desserts and candies should be eaten in moderation, such as:

  • Popsicles
  • Smoothies
  • Ice cream and sherbert
  • Cakes
  • Pudding and custard desserts
  • Soft pies
  • Soft candies that melt in your mouth

Remember, it is always best to avoid eating sweets as much as possible during all types of orthodontic treatments. Sugar causes tooth decay and your teeth are extremely susceptible to decay when wearing braces.

King Orthodontics has had offices in both Pittsburgh and Wexford, PA for over 30 years, and their skilled orthodontists specialize in treating all kinds of dental problems with various types of braces.

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