Braces food checker · 134 foods and drinks · Free
Can I eat it with braces?
Two different questions hide in that one: what will hurt in the days after an adjustment, and what can break a bracket at any time. Search a food to see both.
Fig. 1 — Food checker
Day 1 · typical stage
First 2–3 days
Soft foods while teeth are tender. Cold foods can be soothing.
- WaterUsually OKPlain water is the one thing almost every post-procedure sheet encourages. Room temperature or cool is gentlest.
- Cold waterWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- CoffeeUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm, or switch to cold brew sipped from a cup.
- Iced coffeeWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- TeaUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm before drinking.
- Iced teaWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- Hot chocolateUsually OKHot chocolate is smooth and filling, but it is served hot and coats the teeth in sugar.
- MilkUsually OKDrink it cool or at room temperature from a cup.
- Chocolate milkUsually OKSip from a cup and follow with water.
- SodaUsually OKSoda combines three things a healing mouth dislikes: carbonation, acid, and sugar. Many surgeons ask patients to skip it for the first several days.
- Sparkling waterUsually OKStill water is the simpler choice for the first few days.
- Energy drinksUsually OKIf you want the caffeine, lukewarm tea or cooled coffee is gentler.
- JuiceUsually OKDilute it with water, or choose a low-acid juice such as pear or apple.
- Orange juiceUsually OKWait until the area is no longer raw, then dilute it at first.
- LemonadeUsually OKDilute it and drink from a cup once the area has settled.
- SmoothiesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- MilkshakesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- Protein shakesUsually OKProtein shakes are a practical way to keep protein up while you cannot chew much.
- Sports drinksUsually OKAlternate with plain water.
- BrothUsually OKLet it cool to lukewarm before sipping.
- AlcoholUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics, and ask your dentist if you are unsure.
- BeerUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics.
- WineUsually OKWait until you are off pain medication and any antibiotics; after whitening, wait out the staining window too.
- Ice creamWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- YogurtWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- PuddingUsually OKPudding is about as gentle as food gets: smooth, cool, and swallowed without chewing.
- JelloUsually OKGelatin slides down without chewing and is usually on the first-day list.
- ApplesauceUsually OKApplesauce is smooth and mild, and far less acidic than citrus. It is a common first-day food.
- Mashed potatoesUsually OKMash them smooth and let them cool to lukewarm.
- OatmealWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- GritsWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- Cottage cheeseUsually OKCottage cheese is soft, cool, and high in protein, which makes it a useful early food.
- HummusUsually OKEat it with a spoon or on very soft bread.
- AvocadoUsually OKMash it smooth; skip the toast until chewing is comfortable.
- BananasUsually OKMash it or cut it into small pieces.
- Refried beansUsually OKLet them cool to lukewarm.
- Baby foodUsually OKPureed baby food is not exciting, but it is smooth, room temperature, and comes in ready portions.
- PopsiclesWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- SorbetWith careCold foods often feel good on sore teeth.
- SoupUsually OKBlend it smooth and let it cool to lukewarm.
- Chicken noodle soupUsually OKLet it cool, and cut the noodles and chicken small.
- Tomato soupUsually OKLet it cool, and consider a cream-based soup while tissue is raw.
- RamenUsually OKLet it cool, cut the noodles short, go easy on the seasoning packet, and do not slurp.
- NoodlesUsually OKCook them soft, cut them short, and eat with a fork rather than slurping.
- PhoUsually OKLet it cool, skip the chili sauce and raw herbs, and cut the noodles and meat small.
- ChiliWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- RiceWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- PastaUsually OKCook it past al dente, use small shapes, and keep the sauce mild and lukewarm.
- SpaghettiUsually OKCut the strands short, cook them soft, and go light on the tomato sauce at first.
- Mac and cheeseUsually OKCook the pasta soft and let it cool to lukewarm.
- BreadNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- ToastNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PancakesUsually OKCut them small and let them cool.
- WafflesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- French toastUsually OKTrim the crusts and cut it small.
- CerealNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BagelsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TortillasUsually OKWarm it so it stays soft, and keep fillings soft.
- QuinoaWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CrackersNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Scrambled eggsUsually OKCook them soft and let them cool to lukewarm.
- EggsUsually OKScramble, poach, or soft-boil them.
- ChickenNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Chicken nuggetsNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- FishUsually OKChoose a boneless fillet, baked or steamed rather than fried.
- SalmonUsually OKBake or poach it and check for bones.
- TunaUsually OKMix it with a little mayonnaise so it is moist; skip the crackers.
- ShrimpNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SteakNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Ground beefWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- MeatNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Pulled porkNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Chewy foods bend wires and load brackets.
- BaconNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Hot dogsNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- MeatballsUsually OKMash them with a fork.
- TofuUsually OKSoft or silken tofu needs almost no chewing and is a useful protein when meat is too much work.
- BeansUsually OKMash them if chewing is uncomfortable.
- Peanut butterNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- CheeseUsually OKChoose soft cheeses or melt it into something.
- SushiNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PizzaNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BurgersNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- French friesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SandwichesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TacosNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BurritosNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- QuesadillasNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Grilled cheeseNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Fried chickenNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Chinese foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Indian foodWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- Mexican foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Taco BellNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- McDonald'sNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- FruitUsually OKStart with soft, low-acid, seedless fruit.
- ApplesNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- StrawberriesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- BlueberriesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- WatermelonUsually OKRemove any seeds and cut it small.
- OrangesUsually OKWait until tissue is no longer raw.
- GrapesUsually OKHalve them and choose seedless.
- PineappleNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- TomatoesWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- SaladNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- VegetablesUsually OKSteam or boil them until a fork goes through easily.
- CarrotsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- BroccoliWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CornNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Sweet potatoesUsually OKMash it smooth and let it cool.
- PotatoesUsually OKScoop out the soft inside and let it cool.
- ChocolateUsually OKChoose plain chocolate and let it melt rather than biting.
- CakeWith careSmall pieces pack around brackets and under wires.
- CookiesNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- DonutsUsually OKChoose plain or glazed without sprinkles or nuts, and tear off small pieces.
- BrowniesNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- CandyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Gummy candyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- CaramelNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- GumNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- HoneyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Sticky foods pull brackets loose and wrap around wires.
- ChipsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PopcornNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- NutsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- PretzelsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- GranolaNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- SeedsNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Hot CheetosNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- IceNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- JerkyNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Solid foodNot yetAfter 2–3 days. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- Spicy foodUsually OKReintroduce mild spice first, once the tissue no longer looks raw.
- Hot foodUsually OKLet food cool to lukewarm.
- Crunchy foodNot yetAvoid while braces are on. Teeth are tender for a couple of days after an adjustment, and biting into firm food hurts.
- DairyUsually OKFollow your own instruction sheet if it mentions dairy.
134 of 134 shown · Typical guidance · Your dentist's instructions come first · Nothing you enter is saved
Table 1 — The short list
What breaks braces
| Hard | Nuts, hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, hard pretzels, raw carrot bitten whole. |
| Sticky | Caramel, toffee, gummies, chewing gum unless your orthodontist allows a specific kind. |
| Chewy | Bagels, jerky, tough crusts and tough meat. |
| Bitten into | Apples, corn on the cob, ribs: cut them up and chew with the back teeth instead. |
| Sugary and sipped | Soda and sports drinks leave sugar and acid around brackets, where it is hard to brush away. |
After an adjustment
The two or three sore days
Teeth are usually tender for two to three days after wires are tightened or changed. That is when soft foods help: yogurt, soup, eggs, pasta, mashed potato, smoothies. Cold foods can be soothing.
Once the soreness fades, most foods are fine if you cut them small. The hard, sticky and chewy list stays off the menu until the braces come off, because a broken bracket means an extra visit and can add time to treatment.
Orthodontists' lists differ a little. If yours gave you one, it takes priority over anything here.
Common questions
- Can you eat popcorn with braces?
- It is usually on the avoid list for as long as braces are on. Hulls slide under the gum and around brackets, and unpopped kernels can snap a bracket off. Some orthodontists allow hulless puffed snacks; ask yours.
- Can you chew gum with braces?
- Traditionally no, because gum sticks to brackets and can bend wires. Some orthodontists now allow certain sugar-free gums. Check with your own orthodontist before you do.
- What can I eat the first week with braces?
- Soft foods that need little biting: yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs, soft pasta, mashed potato, oatmeal, smoothies, soft fish. Soreness usually eases after the first few days, and you can widen the menu from there, cutting food into small pieces.
General information · Not dental advice
The checker shows typical guidance for braces. Your orthodontist's own food list takes priority. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.
Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer
About this tool
This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.