Food is a big part of life in Texas, from tacos at the ball game to barbecue on the weekend. The good news about braces is that you do not have to give up eating. You just need to eat a little differently. This guide covers what to avoid, what to enjoy, and how to handle some Texas favorites.

Why Some Foods Are a Problem With Braces

Braces use brackets and wires to move teeth. Our website explains that hard foods can break or damage brackets and wires, and sticky foods can get caught between the brackets and wires and tug them loose. Damaged brackets or wires can also prolong your treatment time, because repairs mean extra visits and lost progress.

Food also affects your teeth. Plaque that builds up around brackets can leave permanent stains, called decalcification, and not brushing well raises the risk of tooth decay.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Full Smile Orthodontics recommends avoiding:

• Chewy sweets like caramel, fudge, and toffee.
• Crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy.
• Chewing gum.
• Pizza crust, bagels, and hard bread.
• Pretzels and chips.
• Sweets, sodas, and other foods that raise the risk of cavities.

Cleveland Clinic's list for people with clear braces adds foods you bite into, such as apples, carrots, and corn on the cob, as well as ice. These are on our list too: avoid biting into anything that could break your braces.

Foods You Can Enjoy

There is still plenty to eat. Our website lists these braces-friendly choices:

• Mashed potatoes.
• Yogurt and smoothies.
• Soups.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Oatmeal.
• Seafood.
• Soft fruits.
• Soft cheese.
• Pasta.
• Cooked or soft vegetables.

Making Texas Favorites Work With Braces

You do not have to skip your favorite foods. Our advice is to cut food into smaller pieces and avoid biting into anything that could break your braces. Here is how that applies to local favorites.

• Tacos. Crunchy shells and chips fall into the crunchy-food category, so soft tacos are the easier choice. Cut fillings into small pieces and avoid biting into anything hard.
• Barbecue. Avoid biting into anything that could break your braces. Take meat off the bone instead of biting into ribs, and cut brisket or sausage into small pieces.
• Corn on the cob. Cut the kernels off the cob.
• Tex-Mex snacks. Chips and hard tortilla strips are best saved for after treatment.
• Sweets. Caramel and taffy-style candy are sticky.

If you are not sure about a food, ask your orthodontist before you try it.

Protect Your Teeth Too

Eating with braces means more places for food to hide. Brush after meals when you can and floss every night. A floss threader helps you clean underneath the wire. Cutting back on sweets and sodas lowers your cavity risk during treatment.

What to Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks

If a bracket or wire comes loose or breaks while you eat, call your orthodontist's office so they can schedule a repair. Do not wait until your next regular visit. Delays can slow your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat pizza with braces?

Yes, with care. The crust is the problem. Our list includes pizza crust, bagels, and hard bread among the foods to avoid. Cutting pizza into small pieces and leaving the hard crust makes it easier.

Can I chew gum with braces?

No. Chewing gum is on our list of foods to avoid.

Is it okay to have soda or sweets?

Sweets and sodas raise the risk of cavities, so it is best to reduce them while wearing braces.

What should I eat right after I get my braces?

Choose soft foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies while your teeth are sore.

Will eating the wrong foods make treatment longer?

It can. Our website notes that damaged brackets or wires will prolong your treatment time.

Questions About Life With Braces?

If you have questions about eating with braces, our team is happy to help. Learn more about braces at Full Smile Orthodontics, read our tips on caring for braces while traveling, or contact us to schedule a visit.