Wearing braces for the first time? Learn which foods to avoid after getting braces, what to eat instead, and how Worldwide Dental Hospital helps you adapt comfortably during your orthodontic journey in Vietnam.

STARTING YOUR BRACES JOURNEY

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter, more confident smile — but it also means making a few adjustments to your daily habits, especially your diet.

During the first few weeks, your teeth and gums may feel a bit sore or sensitive. Choosing the right foods helps you stay comfortable and protect your braces from damage.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, orthodontists guide every patient through a smooth and safe transition — including personalized advice on what to eat (and what not to eat) after braces are placed.

WHY YOU NEED TO AVOID CERTAIN FOODS

Braces are strong, but sticky, hard, or chewy foods can still damage their brackets and wires.
When this happens, it may cause discomfort, delay your treatment, or require extra visits to the dentist.

Common Risks Include:

Broken brackets or bent wires – caused by hard or crunchy food.
Food stuck between braces – leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
Gum inflammation – from sugary or sticky residues.
Extended treatment time – if adjustments are needed frequently.

Knowing what to avoid can help you protect your investment and achieve the best results faster.

After getting braces, it’s important to adjust your diet to protect the brackets and wires from damage and ensure smooth, pain-free treatment progress.

FOODS TO AVOID AFTER GETTING BRACES

Let’s break it down into categories so it’s easier to remember.

1. Hard Foods

Hard foods can loosen or break brackets and wires.
Avoid:

Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews)
Hard candies
Ice cubes
Crusty bread or baguettes
Hard cookies or crackers
Popcorn kernels

Tip: If you love crunchy snacks, try cutting fruits like apples or carrots into thin slices — or steam them to soften.

2. Sticky or Chewy Foods

Sticky foods can cling to braces and are difficult to clean, which increases the risk of cavities and gum problems.
Avoid:

Chewing gum
Caramel, toffee, or taffy
Gummy candies or jelly sweets
Sticky rice or mochi
Dried fruits (raisins, dates)

Alternative: Go for soft fruits like bananas, mangoes, or yogurt-based desserts instead.

3. Crunchy Snacks

These can easily snap wires or dislodge brackets when bitten directly.
Avoid:

Chips, nachos, and pretzels
Fried snacks
Corn on the cob (cut kernels off before eating)
Pizza crusts

Tip: If you crave a crunch, baked potato slices or soft rice crackers are safer choices.

4. Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria that cause plaque and white spots around brackets.
Avoid:

Soda, energy drinks, or sweet tea
Chocolate bars
Sugary cereals
Pastries and cakes

Better options: Choose water, milk, or unsweetened juice — and brush your teeth right after meals.

5. Tough Meats

Chewy meats can strain braces and make cleaning difficult.
Avoid:

Steak or beef jerky
Hard chicken wings
Grilled ribs or pork chops

Alternative: Opt for tender proteins like minced chicken, soft fish, tofu, or stewed beef

SAFE AND COMFORTABLE FOODS AFTER BRACES

During your first week with braces, it’s best to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods while your mouth adjusts.

Soft Food Ideas

Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
Pasta, noodles, or rice
Soups and stews
Scrambled eggs
Smoothies and yogurt
Porridge or oatmeal
Soft fruits (bananas, papayas, avocados)

Nutritional Tip

Ensure your diet continues to include sufficient protein, vitamins, and calcium for healthy teeth and gums.
At Worldwide Dental Hospital, your orthodontist can recommend braces-friendly meal plans that are both nutritious and easy to follow.

Dentists recommend avoiding hard foods like nuts, popcorn, or ice that can break or loosen your brackets.

CLEANING YOUR BRACES AFTER EATING

Even with careful food choices, food particles can still get trapped between braces.
Proper cleaning is crucial for avoiding plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Step-by-Step Care:

Rinse with water to remove loose food.
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Use an interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires.
Floss daily with orthodontic floss threaders or water flossers.
Rinse with mouthwash to keep your gums fresh and clean.

Worldwide Dental Hospital also provides orthodontic cleaning kits designed to make oral care easier during treatment.

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM PATIENTS

1. Can I eat rice or noodles with braces?

Yes. Soft rice, noodles, and pasta are excellent options that won’t damage your brackets.

2. When can I eat normally again?

Most patients can resume their usual diet after 1–2 weeks, as soreness fades.

3. Can I drink coffee or tea?

Yes, but drink in moderation. Brush or rinse after to avoid staining your brackets.

4. What should I do if something gets stuck?

Use an interdental brush or rinse with warm water. If you feel discomfort, contact your dentist for help.

5. Can I chew gum with braces?

No — chewing gum can pull wires or loosen brackets, delaying your progress.

HOW WORLDWIDE DENTAL HOSPITAL SUPPORTS YOU THROUGHOUT BRACE TREATMENT

1. Personalized Orthodontic Plans

Each patient receives a customized braces plan — whether traditional, Damon self-ligating, or Invisalign aligners.

2. Gentle and Painless Adjustments

Regular checkups are performed with precision and comfort in mind.

3. Dietary and Care Guidance

Orthodontists provide a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts so you can adjust your eating habits safely.

4. Emergency Assistance

If you ever experience broken wires or loose brackets, the hospital offers prompt repair services.

5. International Expertise

With English-speaking dentists and international-standard technology, Worldwide Dental Hospital is a trusted orthodontic destination for expats and travelers.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, patients receive personalized dietary advice and ongoing support to keep their braces clean, secure, and on track for a healthy, confident smile.

COST OF ORTHODONTIC CARE IN VIETNAM

Type of Braces	Average Cost (USD)	Description
Metal Braces	1,200 – 1,800	Durable and effective.
Damon Self-Ligating Braces	2,000 – 2,800	Less friction, faster treatment.
Ceramic Braces	2,000 – 2,500	Tooth-colored, more aesthetic.
Invisalign Clear Aligners	3,500 – 5,500	Nearly invisible, comfortable, removable.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, prices are transparent and inclusive of consultation, X-rays, and adjustments.

WHY CHOOSE WORLDWIDE DENTAL HOSPITAL

30+ years of orthodontic expertise in Vietnam.
Internationally certified, English-speaking orthodontists.
Advanced systems: Damon, Invisalign, and 3D digital imaging.
Personalized patient support throughout treatment.
Central location in Ho Chi Minh City, convenient for expats and tourists.

CONCLUSION

Avoiding certain foods after getting braces isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your treatment and ensuring your smile transforms beautifully and efficiently.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, every orthodontic journey is guided by care, comfort, and precision.
From the first day of braces to the final reveal of your new smile, the team ensures you eat safely, clean effectively, and smile confidently.

📞 Contact Worldwide Dental Hospital: (+84) 922.253.888