Foods for Braces

Getting braces can help you get a set of straight pearly whites, but comes with its share of disadvantages. Certain foods can get lodged in your braces, which can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing situations. There are lots of foods you can eat, though, that are less likely than others to get stuck in your braces.

Dairy

• Most dairy foods are soft and easy to chew, making them ideal foods for people with braces. Some choices include yogurt; cheeses, (such as cream cheese, brie, cottage cheese, cheddar and Swiss) sour cream, milk and pudding.

Breads

• Choose breads that are soft and have no visible seeds or grains that can get stuck in your braces. Choose white, wheat or pumpernickel bread. You can eat rye bread if it does not have caraway seeds. Muffins without nuts or seeds are also good choices. Some other options include cornbread, tortillas, pitas and English muffins.

Grains

• Always be sure to soften grains by cooking them completely. Certain grains are better-suited for people with braces. Some of these include spaghetti, linguine, quinoa, couscous and noodles.

Meats

• Choose tender, soft cuts of meat over tougher cuts that may get stuck in your braces. Opt for chicken thigh meat, slow-cooked pork and beef, chicken salad, tuna, lunch meats and most types of fish.

Vegetables and Legumes

• Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet for all people. When you have braces, choose vegetables like avocados, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale. Legumes, also known as beans, should be mashed before you eat them. Try eating refried beans or hummus. Vegetables soups are also a smart option for those with braces.

Fruit

• Fruits can often get stuck in your braces, so choose a soft variety. You can also blend several fruits into a smoothie. Some good choices are bananas, applesauce and fruit juices.

Treats

• You can eat ice cream if you have braces, but choose a type without chocolate chips and other chunky items that may get caught in your braces. You can also eat soft cakes and and milkshakes as treats.