If you don’t know what you can eat, you should talk to your orthodontist. It’s hard trying to give up gum and things like popcorn. But if you take care of your teeth now, you will have a beautiful smile later.
-Karen, age 12, Maine
Braces are not as bad as you think. You can still have ice cream!
-Victoria, age 9, Maryland
Sometimes it’s O.K. to have something to eat that is a little hard or a little sticky—but only once in a while. Just be careful and make sure to brush really well after you eat. A treat every now and then can make having braces more bearable.
-Abbey, age 12, Colorado
Until you get more used to your braces, eat soft food such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, soup, sandwiches, or soft tacos. There are still a lot of choices for you, and you’ll be able to eat harder foods when you get used to your braces. Also, ask your orthodontist if you are able to chew sugarless gum. Just smile! When your braces come off, you’ll be glad you gave up sticky foods for a while.
-Darcie
Instead of thinking of all the foods you can’t eat, think of all the foods you can eat! Trust me—there are plenty.
-Ashley, age 12, Illinois
Make a fruit salad, or have some friends over and come up with snacks that everyone can eat.
-Schylar, age 10, California
Ask your orthodontist about what you can’t eat. To replace the other foods you used to be able to eat, try eating new things, such as mints instead of gum. And sometimes, once your braces come off, the dentist might give a bag of all the stuff you couldn’t eat while you had your braces on. I hope this advice helps you.
-Monica, age 9, Massachusetts
I have never had braces, but when I turned 12, my mother got me the American Girl book The Care & Keeping of You. There was a part in it about braces, and I learned about them and what to do with your food.
-Claire, age 12, New York
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