Posted on April 30, 2025
Getting braces is a big step, especially for kids and teens. But once they’re on, the real adjustment begins—starting with what to eat.
At Smilebliss, we know how smart food choices protect braces, ease discomfort, and help maintain healthy smiles throughout treatment. If your child recently got braces in Marietta, here’s what to know about the best foods to eat—and what to skip.
Need help managing your child’s braces journey? Contact us today.
Braces help fix crooked teeth, improve alignment, and reduce issues like jaw discomfort and uneven wear. But they also bring tenderness—especially after placement or adjustments—which makes food choice more important than ever.
When teeth feel sore, soft meals are easier to manage. Nutritious food also supports healing and helps kids stay full and energized, without putting stress on brackets or wires.
During the first few days, stick to soft, easy-to-chew meals. These can keep your child staycomfortable while still providing balanced nutrition.
Here are some good options:
Smoothies made with milk or yogurt and soft fruits like bananas, mangoes, or berries are filling and gentle on sore gums. Just avoid seeds that can get caught in wires.
Some foods can damage braces or cause pain when chewing. Even one wrong bite can bend a wire or pop a bracket off.
Avoid the following:
PopcornCrunchy pizza crust, hard pretzels, and even thick granola bars can be risky. Encourage your child to chew carefully and cut firm foods into smaller pieces.
Just because a food needs to be soft doesn’t mean it has to be bland. Plenty of meals are both braces-friendly and delicious.
Here are a few ideas:
Marietta also has plenty of options for Southern comfort food. Creamy grits, tender pulled meats, and soft-cooked greens work well with braces.
Snacking is part of daily life—especially for active kids and teens. It’s helpful to keep braces-safe options on hand at home and in lunchboxes.
Try these:
Applesauce cupsAvoid crunchy chips, sticky candy, or anything that needs to be pulled apart with the teeth.
Eating what’s in season is a simple way to add variety and nutrition to a braces-friendly diet. In Georgia, seasonal options like peaches, watermelon, and squash are soft enough to eat with minimal preparation.
Great choices include:
These fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins that support gum and tooth health during orthodontic treatment.
Your child doesn’t need to give up their favorite meals—just adjust the texture or serving size.
Here’s how:
These adjustments make meals more comfortable and reduce the chance of damaging brackets or wires.
Eating is one part of the process. Keeping teeth clean while wearing braces is just as important. Brackets and wires create tight spaces where food can hide, leading to plaque and decay if not cleaned properly.
Daily oral care tips:
Regular visits to your Smilebliss orthodontist will help track progress and address any concerns early.
Building routines around braces care helps your child stay on track. Plan meals together, pack school snacks in advance, and make brushing part of their after-meal routine.
Keep the process encouraging. Praise them for brushing regularly. Celebrate progress after each visit. Every good habit brings them one step closer to their new smile.
Supporting kids and teens with braces starts at home. With the right meals—like pasta, smoothies, yogurt, and steamed vegetables—they can stay comfortable and still enjoy what they eat.
Good food choices, solid cleaning habits, and consistent care make the journey smoother. Local options in Marietta make it easy to find everything you need nearby.
Let Smilebliss support your child’s treatment with expert orthodontic care, practical advice, and advanced whitening options after the braces come off.
Want a brighter smile when treatment ends? Schedule your whitening consultation at Smilebliss in Marietta today. A radiant smile is just one click away. Call us today!
