Why does diet matter with braces?
With fixed braces, the brackets are attached to the teeth with a special adhesive. This bond is designed to withstand everyday chewing; however, biting into something very hard or chewing a sticky food can knock a bracket loose or bend or break the wire. Such problems may require an extra appointment and can affect whether treatment progresses at the planned pace. In addition, food debris that builds up around the brackets increases the risk of decay and gum inflammation.
For how fixed treatment works in general, see our fixed braces treatment page.
Suitable foods and foods to be careful with
| Group | Usually suitable | Take care / avoid if possible |
|---|---|---|
| Bread and grains | Soft bread, pasta, rice, bulgur, porridge | Hard crusty bread, the crust of sesame bread rings (simit), hard crackers, corn chips |
| Fruit | Bananas, ripe pears, melon, watermelon, sliced apple | Biting into a whole apple or pear, hard dried fruit |
| Vegetables | Cooked vegetables, purées, finely chopped salad | Biting whole carrots or hard vegetables with the front teeth |
| Meat, chicken, fish | Meatballs, minced meat, tender cooked chicken, boneless fish | Biting meat off the bone, tough and dry pieces of meat |
| Dairy | Yoghurt, ayran (yoghurt drink), soft cheeses, milk | Very hard cheese or dry cheese rinds |
| Snacks | Soft cake, pudding, milk pudding | Hard sweets, caramel, Turkish delight, chewing gum, popcorn, nuts in their shells |
| Drinks | Water, milk, unsweetened tea | Fizzy and sugary drinks, fruit juice, energy drinks |
This table is a general guide. Your orthodontist may give additional advice depending on the appliances used in your treatment.
Hard and sticky foods
Hard foods (nuts, hard sweets, ice, crusty bread) put a sudden force on the bracket when you bite. Sticky foods (caramel, Turkish delight, chewing gum, some jelly sweets) can stick between the brackets and wire, straining the bond and leaving debris that is hard to clean. Popcorn husks can also get stuck between the gum and the bracket. In addition, habits such as chewing pens, nails or ice can damage brackets.
Cutting food into small pieces
You do not need to give up many foods completely; how you eat them matters too:
- Cut foods such as apples, pears and carrots into thin slices instead of biting into them.
- Take sweetcorn off the cob instead of biting it off.
- Take meat and chicken off the bone and eat it in small bites.
- Chew slowly and carefully with your back teeth rather than your front teeth.
- Eat foods such as pizza and sandwiches by breaking them into small pieces.
Sugary and acidic drinks
Fizzy drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks can contain both sugar and acid. Because the area around the brackets is harder to clean, these drinks can increase the risk of white spots and decay on the teeth. If you do have them, you may prefer to drink them with a meal rather than sipping throughout the day, and then rinse your mouth with water. Quenching your thirst with water during the day is the simplest way. If you have ceramic brackets, remember that coloured drinks such as tea, coffee and cola can yellow the ties; see ceramic brackets.
Eating in the first days and after check-ups
In the first days after the braces are fitted and after wire changes, the teeth may be tender. During this period, soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, mash, omelettes, pasta and milk pudding can be eaten more comfortably. Details about the adjustment period are on our page the first weeks after getting braces.
Brushing routine after meals
- First rinse your mouth with water to remove larger debris.
- If you have had an acidic drink, waiting a short while before brushing may help protect the tooth enamel; follow your orthodontist's advice on this.
- With a soft-bristled brush, brush above and below the brackets separately using circular movements.
- Clean between the brackets and under the wire with an interdental brush.
- Clean between the teeth with a floss threader and check around the brackets in the mirror.
For detailed care advice, see our article on oral and dental care with fixed braces.
If a bracket comes off
If a bracket comes loose or the wire starts poking while you are eating, call the clinic. Keep the piece that came off and bring it to your appointment. If something is poking, you can use orthodontic wax. For what you can do at home, see our orthodontic emergencies page. If coughing or shortness of breath occurs after swallowing a part, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Can I chew gum with braces?
Chewing gum is usually not recommended, as it can stick to the brackets and wire and strain the bond. Ask your orthodontist about special cases.
Are nuts completely off limits?
Whole, hard nuts can damage brackets. Some patients prefer finely ground nuts or nut butters; you can discuss what suits you with your orthodontist.
Can I drink tea and coffee?
You can. Having them without sugar and rinsing with water afterwards helps protect your teeth and the area around the brackets.
What should I do if I can't brush when eating out?
Rinse your mouth well with water and brush at the first opportunity. Carrying a small travel toothbrush and an interdental brush makes this easier.
For questions, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or use the form on the contact page.
This page is for general information only; diagnosis and the treatment plan are determined by an examination and your orthodontist's assessment.
