Eating with braces

Name: Wilkinson Orthodontics
Telephone: (07) 5573 6535

Eating with braces doesn’t have to be complicated - but it does take a little extra care. At Wilkinson Orthodontics, we help patients across the Gold Coast navigate life with braces, including what foods to enjoy and which ones to avoid. This guide is here to support you throughout your orthodontic journey - so you can stay healthy, confident, and on track for amazing results.

Nutrition and
orthodontic care

Your braces have plenty of small spaces where food and plaque can hide - making oral hygiene more important than ever. Hard, sticky, or sugary foods can not only damage your braces but may also increase the risk of tooth decay. That’s why we always recommend following the guidance of your orthodontist and being extra mindful of what you eat throughout treatment.

Oral-health friendly foods

To protect your teeth and your braces, it’s best to choose soft, non-sticky, and low-sugar foods. Here are some great options that are safe and comfortable to enjoy:

Vegetables Mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans, soft cooked pumpkin

Fruits Bananas, watermelon, mango, soft fruits or small cut pieces of apples

Dairy Yoghurt, milk, pudding, cheese sticks

Grains & breads Soft pasta, cooked rice, muffins without nuts, wraps, pancakes

Meats & seafood Soft cooked chicken, meatballs, tuna, salmon

Foods to avoid when wearing braces

Hard, sticky, and sugary foods can damage your brackets or wires, and should be avoided. This includes:

Hard breads and pizza crusts
Sticky lollies, caramel, chewing gum
Crunchy snacks like popcorn, chips, and nuts
Whole raw apples or carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
Fizzy drinks and sugary treats like soft drink, lollies, or chocolate

You should also avoid chewing pens, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open things like bottle caps - these habits can damage your braces.

Foods to modify

Some foods can be enjoyed with a little adjustment. Here's how:

Raw carrots & apples - cut into bite-sized pieces
Crusty bread & pizza - remove the crust and slice up
Meat - cut into soft, bite-sized chunks
Celery - chop into smaller strips

Small changes go a long way in keeping your braces safe.

Caring for your
braces while eating

It’s not just what you eat - it’s how you eat. Slow down, take small bites, and chew carefully. Rinse your mouth after meals and follow your brushing and flossing routine as recommended by your orthodontist.

For tips on brushing and cleaning, check out our “Caring for Braces” page.

Need more advice about eating with braces?

Our team is here to support you throughout your treatment. If you’re ever unsure about what’s safe to eat - or if you think you may have damaged a bracket - get in touch with our friendly team today.

Contact our team

Need more advice about eating with braces?

Find us on the Gold Coast

Whether you're closer to Benowa or Helensvale, you're never far from expert orthodontic care. Both of our state-of-the-art clinics are conveniently located, with free parking, modern facilities, and a welcoming team ready to help you feel at ease from day one.