Advice · 11 October 2026
Most foods are still fine with braces. A few small changes protect your teeth and help stop your brace breaking.
Foods to avoid
- Hard foods, for example nuts, hard sweets and crusty bread.
- Chewy and sticky foods, such as toffees and chewing gum.
- Popcorn.
- Fizzy drinks (diet ones included), sugary drinks and fruit juice.
Best choices
- Plain milk and water are the best drinks.
- Cut your food up small.
- Save sugary foods for mealtimes.
- Avoid chewing pens or biting your nails.
Why it matters
Breakages from hard and sticky foods make treatment take longer. Sugary and fizzy drinks can leave permanent white marks and decay around the brackets. See brace care and problems and brushing with braces.
Frequently asked questions
Is chewing gum allowed with braces?
No. Gum is sticky and can damage your brace.
Which drinks are best with braces?
Plain milk and water. Steer clear of fizzy drinks (diet ones included), sugary drinks and fruit juice.
Have a question? Ask your clinician during your appointment, or ring us on 028 3870 2623.