What Can You Eat With Fixed Braces

More and more adults in London are choosing to straighten their teeth using fixed braces London. If you’re considering starting brace treatment — or already have them — our dentists at Whites Dental can help guide you toward a healthier, straighter smile. We offer a range of brace treatments in Central London including Damon Braces, Ceramic Braces, Clear Braces, Lingual Braces, and traditional fixed metal brace options.

Adjusting to Braces: The First Few Days

Millions worldwide use braces to align their teeth or correct issues such as gaps, overbite, or underbite. While the results can be transformative, the adjustment period — particularly during the first few days — involves sensitivity, pressure, and some discomfort. Eating can also be tricky.

Your orthodontist will likely recommend a soft food diet initially. Great options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, pasta, soft fruits, and cooked vegetables — basically, anything that doesn’t require much chewing.

Top 6 Foods for New Braces

1. Yogurt

High in protein and calcium, plain yogurt supports strong teeth and gums. It’s soft, soothing, and perfect when chewing feels uncomfortable. Add soft fruit like bananas or berries for extra flavour — just remember to brush afterwards, even natural sugars can linger.

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

The ultimate comfort food. The broth is packed with minerals and collagen — great for healing and oral health. Soaking soft bread or crackers in soup makes them braces-friendly too.

3. Sweet or Mashed Potatoes

Soft, filling, and loaded with Vitamin A — great for gum health and enamel strength. You can bake, mash, boil, or steam them. A comforting, nutrient-dense option when your mouth is sore.

4. Fish

Soft, flaky, and easy to chew — fish is a great protein source that won’t stress your braces. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, and Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Salmon and mackerel are especially good options.

5. Cooked Vegetables and Fruits

Raw crunchy foods can dislodge wires or brackets. But cooked versions retain nutrients while becoming gentle on your teeth. Leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and soft applesauce are great go-tos. Bake, steam, or boil for braces-safe meals.

6. Eggs

Soft, versatile, and protein-rich, eggs also contain phosphorus — key for strong enamel. Have them scrambled, poached, or boiled any time of day.

Bonus Option: Smoothies

Smoothies are ideal when you’re sore or tired of chewing. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics — and easy to customise. Try banana, spinach, and yogurt for a braces-friendly breakfast or snack.

Other Safe Foods Include:

• Soft fruits (bananas, oranges, strawberries, grapes)
• Soft cheeses
• Light crackers or low-sugar biscuits
• Noodles, pasta, ravioli, macaroni & cheese

What to Avoid Right After Getting Braces

Some foods are technically “safe” for braces but should be avoided immediately after getting them due to sensitivity:

• Ice cream
• Thick rolls or hard breads
• Thick cuts of meat
• Spicy dishes
• Citrus fruits

Once your mouth adjusts, you can gradually reintroduce many of these items.

Top 8 Worst Foods for Orthodontic Braces

1. Popcorn

The kernels can get stuck between brackets and cause painful gum irritation — sometimes even requiring brace removal for cleaning. Best to avoid completely.

2. Ice

Chewing ice is a common cause of broken brackets, especially among teens. It’s not good for teeth generally, but it’s especially risky with braces.

3. Corn on the Cob

Eat corn off the cob instead. Biting directly can damage front brackets.

4. Whole Apples & Raw Carrots

Healthy, yes — but biting into them can dislodge brackets. Cut them into small slices and chew with your back teeth.

5. Beef Jerky

Tough and chewy — bad news for your brace system. Skip it for now.

6. Hard Sweets

Jolly Ranchers, peppermints, boiled sweets — they crack brackets if bitten into. If you must indulge, suck — don’t bite. And watch the sugar content!

7. Sugary Gum

Controversial. Some orthodontists allow sugar-free gum, but sugary gum increases the risk of decay and may dislodge wires. When in doubt, skip it.

8. Turmeric

Found in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, turmeric can stain braces and clear aligners. Proceed with caution or brush soon after eating.

How to Eat with Braces

• Chew slowly: Avoid biting down too hard.
• Cut food into smaller bites: Especially fruits, crusty bread, and meat.
• Bite from the sides: Don’t use your front teeth for tough foods.

The Takeaway

Getting braces is a big investment in your health and appearance — don’t let poor food choices prolong your treatment. Stick to a braces-friendly diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow your orthodontist’s advice. Once your braces have settled, you’ll return to enjoying food more comfortably — just with a little more planning and care.

Want to learn more? Check out our Best Foods for Braces guide or book a free consultation to explore your options.

Whites Dental provides fixed braces, fast braces, Damon Braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more — right in the heart of Central London. We’re just a short walk from Southwark, London Bridge, Borough, Elephant and Castle, Blackfriars, Notting Hill, Paddington, Edgware Road, Marble Arch and Southbank. Find out more about the leading private dentists in London.