When you have braces, life can be a bit more complicated. Especially when trying to plan a healthy diet around the foods you’ve been told to avoid because of your braces. The good news is, there are many healthy foods that are safe for braces. Get ready to refresh your menu with these delicious options.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Before we dig into the good stuff, let’s talk about what foods you should avoid. Typically, orthodontists recommend that you avoid anything that is sticky, crunchy, chewy or that you need to bite into. Common examples include foods like caramels, hard chips or pretzels, bagels and whole apples or corn on the cob.

Now that we’ve gotten the things you should avoid out of the way, let’s talk about the countless healthy foods that are safe for braces!

Breakfast

Great options for breakfast include smoothies and blended fruit bowls. While it can damage your braces to bite into a whole apple or other fruit, you can put the apple into a smoothie to still gain all its nutritional benefits in an extra delicious mix of other good-for-you ingredients like berries, greens and proteins! You may never want to go back to eating fruit by itself again!

Eggs can be another healthy and safe option.Top them with cheese for some extra calcium and add a side of shredded hash browns and you’re set!

Yogurt topped with fresh fruit is another popular choice. Be careful about adding granola, though, as it can be hard and crunchy and may damage your braces.

Lunch

Chili, soups, cold pasta salads and bento boxes are all great options for lunch. Search online for creative ideas for bento boxes and pasta salads and have fun experimenting with your own original combinations!

Refried beans and a cheese quesadilla are also safe and super delicious, with the added bonus of being high in calcium and magnesium to support healthy teeth and bones.

Dinner

Easy to chew meats or protein sources include meatloaf, fish or tofu. Soft foods like mashed potatoes, rice and steamed veggies are side dish options of healthy foods that are safe for braces. Soft pastas are also great, with nearly endless options for sauces and toppings.

Snacks

When thinking of healthy foods that are safe for braces, snack foods can be the most difficult to come up with, because we want them to be delicious, convenient and satisfying. Don’t fret, though, we’ve got you covered! Bananas are a great grab-and-go option. So is apple sauce, often found in individual containers and various flavors such as strawberry-apple or apple cinnamon. Soft cheeses and yogurt are great high-calcium options, as well.

Hummus or bean dip are also healthy and safe, paired with soft veggies or flat breads for dipping. Eating potato chips or crunchy snacks one at a time may be safe too, but check with your orthodontist to be sure, as it can depend on what type of orthodontic treatment you are undergoing.

Talking with Your Orthodontist about Food

This list is a good start, but it doesn’t include all of your options.If you’re looking to expand your menu while you have braces, it’s a great idea to talk to your orthodontist at your next appointment about healthy foods that are safe for braces. Your orthodontist has lots of experience guiding patients through the process of braces and that includes making the most of their time with braces!

Call our Round Lake Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.