Food Dos and Don'ts When Wearing Braces: What You Can Eat and What You Can't
- Smilesparks Dental
- Nov 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Navigating the Flavors: A Comprehensive Guide to Braces-Friendly Non-Vegetarian Delights in Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine, with its rich diversity, offers a plethora of flavors, especially in the realm of non-vegetarian dishes. If you're navigating the world of orthodontics with braces, it's crucial to opt for foods that are gentle on your braces. Here's a comprehensive guide encompassing both South and North Indian cuisines:
Foods You Can Eat:
Soft Chapati or Roti: Gentle on braces and a staple in Indian cuisine.
Boneless Fish and Seafood: Opt for grilled or baked fish without bones.
Chicken Curry: Choose boneless chicken in a soft, flavorful curry.
Chicken Biryani: Select boneless chicken pieces for easier consumption.
Egg Curry: Soft-cooked eggs in a mild curry.
Daal (Lentils): Soft-cooked lentils for a protein-rich option.
Soft Rice: Well-cooked and soft rice varieties.
Curry with Soft Vegetables: Opt for vegetable curries with soft-cooked vegetables.
Paneer Dishes: Soft paneer dishes without hard or crunchy additives.
Soft Idlis and Dosas: South Indian classics that are easy to chew.
Soft Uttapam: A thicker option made from rice and lentil batter.
Curd Rice: Soft rice mixed with yogurt for a braces-friendly option.
Soft Chicken Bonda: Minced chicken-filled fritters.
Soft Chicken Kebabs: Boneless and tender chicken kebabs.
Fish Curry: Boneless fish in a soft curry.
Soft Chicken Sukka: Boneless chicken cooked with spices and coconut.
Chicken Stew: A mild and creamy chicken preparation.
Chicken Pulao: Tender chicken pieces in a mildly spiced rice dish.
Soft Chicken Noodles: Noodles with boneless chicken and soft vegetables.
Soft Chicken Momos: Steamed dumplings with minced chicken.
Soft Egg Biryani: Biryani with well-cooked and soft eggs.
Mutton Curry: Tender mutton pieces in a soft curry.
Soft Egg Curry: Eggs cooked in a soft and flavorful curry.
Soft Roti or Naan: Soft Indian bread options from North India.
Butter Chicken: Creamy and soft chicken preparation from North India.
Soft Pulao: Rice dish with soft-cooked meat and spices from North India.
Chicken Stew: Mild and soft chicken stew from North India.
Mutton Rogan Josh: Tender mutton cooked in a flavorful curry from North India.
Foods to Avoid:
Hard Meats with Bones: Steer clear of meats that require heavy chewing or have bones.
Sticky or Chewy Foods: Taffy, caramel, and gum can be problematic.
Hard Breads and Rolls: Crusty bread can be difficult to chew.
Popcorn and Nuts: Small, hard particles can get lodged in braces.
Crunchy Snacks: Hard chips, pretzels, and snacks can damage braces.
Corn on the Cob: Biting into corn on the cob can be challenging.
Hard Fruits and Vegetables: Cut fruits and vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
Chewy Meats: Tough cuts of meat can be difficult to chew.
Hard Candies: Avoid candies that require prolonged chewing.
Ice Cubes: Chewing on ice can be damaging to braces.
Hard Taco Shells: Tacos with hard shells can be challenging to bite.
Hard Shell Tacos with Meat: Avoid biting into hard taco shells with tough meat.
Beef Jerky: Tough and chewy, can damage braces.
Hard Shellfish: Shellfish with tough shells can be difficult to chew.
Beef or Pork Ribs: Ribs can be tough and difficult to chew.
Hard Sausages: Sausages with tough casings should be avoided.
Beef or Pork Stir-Fry with Tough Meat: Opt for softer cuts of meat.
Hard Meat Pies: Pies with tough crusts can be challenging.
Crusty Meat Pizzas: Choose pizzas with softer crusts and toppings.
Hard Chicken Wings with Bones: Boneless wings are a better option.
Whether you're savoring the flavors of South or North India, being mindful of your braces ensures a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Always consult with your orthodontist for personalized dietary advice based on your specific situation.
Happy eating!
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