It was Riya’s first week wearing braces. The mouthwatering smell of chicken biryani wafted through the air at her cousin’s birthday party. Her mouth watered, and yet, staring at the steaming plate, she was haunted by one thought — Can You Eat Chicken with Braces? She was worried about pain, broken brackets, or meat getting caught in the wires.
If you’ve worn braces, you’ve probably been in Riya’s shoes, wondering whether you can still eat all of your favorite foods without breaking your orthodontic hardware. For some of us, chicken is a regular part of our diets, and to go a full few months or years without it is a little unreasonable. So let’s spell it out and make sure that you’re eating the food that you can safely enjoy.
Yes, You Can Eat Chicken with Braces — But It Depends on How It’s Cooked
Chicken isn’t off the menu if you wear braces, but it does depend on how you cook and serve it. That includes certain chicken preparations, hard, chewy, or sticky foods, advises the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
It’s better yet if cooked soft, boneless, and well-done chicken is used. That tough, chewy, or bone-in chicken could be trouble.
Why You Might Want to Skip Chicken as a Bracers Wearer
Here’s what to watch out for when it comes to eating chicken with braces:
- Hard or chewy meats can also be tough on brackets and wires.
- Hard surfaces can cause biting bony pieces by mistake.
- Stringy or shredded chicken can get stuck in your braces.
- Crunchy fried chicken skin might be too rough for new or sensitive braces.
Stats You Should Know:
- A 2023 report published in the Journal of Orthodontic Research found that 42 percent of orthodontia-related damage was related to food choices, as meat, particularly improperly prepared chicken, was a common offender.
- By AAO surveys, 1 in 3 who wear braces said they have quit eating meat altogether out of fear of snapping their braces – a dietary decision that could result in malnutrition if not approached in the right way.
Chicken For Braces: Ideal Cooking Methods
So, let’s continue to enjoy our chicken without risking our braces by cooking in these ways:
| Cooking Style | Braces-Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled (boneless) | Yes | Nice and tender, don’t overcook it |
| Boiled or steamed | Yes | Very soft, easy to chew |
| Shredded (soft) | Yes | Great in wraps, sandwiches, or rice |
| Baked (boneless) | Yes | As long as it’s not dry or crispy |
| Fried (bone-in) | No | Crunchy texture and bone can damage braces |
| BBQ chicken wings | No | Sticky sauces, bones make it dangerous |
Pro Tip: Be sure to cut your chicken up into bite-sized pieces and chew carefully with your back teeth.
Chicken Dishes for those with Braces
Here are some chicken-based meal ideas that are good for people with braces:
- Soft chicken soup – For some healthy, soft-on-the-mouth soup.
- Chicken and mashed potatoes: It’s soothing and easy to consume.
- Creamy chicken pasta – Avoid tough veggies and go for the smooth.
- Chicken rice bowls – Add tender veggies such as spinach or boiled carrots to the bowl.
- Chicken wraps – Soft tortillas are your friend, so avoid crunchy fillings.
How to Clean Braces After Eating Chicken
Even tender chicken may leave remnants caught between brackets and wires. Here’s what to do:
- Wash with water directly after you eat.
- Move along these areas with an orthodontic toothbrush or an electric brush if you have one, which can better snake into these spots.
- Interdental brushes get rid of wedged meat strings.
- Use orthodontic-friendly flossers every day.
- At night, use a Waterpik to clean up efficiently.
When to Avoid Chicken Altogether
Avoid chicken if:
- You just got your teeth braced (your teeth are going to get sensitive).
- The meat is tough, dry, or it has a bone in it.
- You’re wolfing it down — rapid chewing raises the risk of damage.
If you’re feeling uncertain, rely upon softer protein sources (like scrambled eggs, tofu, or fully-cooked fish) for a few days.
Final Thoughts: Can You Eat Chicken with Braces?
Sure, you can have chicken with braces — but choose wisely. Choose soft, boneless , or bite-sized preparations. You don’t want to go for tough textures, sticky sauces, or bone-in pieces. Thorough rinsing afterward is also important.
So the next time you’re served a tasty chicken entree, take heart: There are many ways to eat it safely, so long as you think about how you’re going to cook it and how you’re going to eat it. Besides, a life with braces needn’t be flat; just even.
Did you find a go-to chicken recipe that pairs perfectly with your braces?!
Get tested for your Cavity Risk in 30 seconds – Free & easy!
This easy-to-use dashboard lets you see how at risk you are to get cavities…based on your daily habits of brushing, flossing, how you eat, how much sugar you eat, and how often you go to the dentist. Simply answer a few simple questions and immediately receive a custom cavity risk score and useful tips for a healthy smile. It’s free, and it only takes a minute.
🦷 Cavity Risk Checker
FAQs on Can you eat chicken with braces
Can you eat chicken with braces?
Yes, you can eat chicken with braces if it’s soft and boneless and cut into small pieces. Farewell, hard and crunchy chicken.
Shredded, boiled, or grilled boneless chicken is fine.
Steer clear of fried chicken with crispy skin and chicken on the bone.
Always use your back teeth to chew and take small bites of food.
Is fried chicken safe to eat with braces?
No, fried chicken is not good for braces because of its crispness, which is liable to harm your braces.
Foods of crunchy textures can often break brackets.
Braces can trap chicken skin or hard crust.
Opt for soft-cooked chicken versions instead.
Can chicken get stuck in braces?
Yes, chicken that is stringy or fibrous can get caught between braces or wires, especially if it is not cut correctly.
Use soft and moist chicken(with soups or shredded).
Trim the meat of excess fat and cut into bite-size chunks.
Wash and brush your teeth after meals to prevent excess food.
What kind of chicken is best for bracers wearers?
The nicer species are shredded, slow-cooked, or soft-boiled. They are easy on teeth and the appliances.
Chicken soup and chicken tortilla wraps are both great.
Choose boneless, not spicy, not overcooked chicken dishes.
They offer some relief by allowing the baby to chew on a softer texture, which decreases the pressure of chewing and pain.
How soon after getting braces can I eat chicken?
Soft chicken is something you’ll be able to eat within the first couple of days, particularly if your teeth are a little sensitive after getting new braces.
Start in the form of a gentle, slow-cooked chicken.
Do stay away from anything tough or chewy for the first week.
Slowly try other chicken dishes once your pain lessens.
Dr. Niraj Ghanghoriya is a passionate dental surgeon with over 12 years of experience in clinical dentistry. He completed his BDS from the prestigious Sri Aurobindo Institute of Dentistry in 2012 and specializes in painless root canals, smile makeovers, and preventive oral care. Known for his patient-first approach and clear communication, Dr. Ghanghoriya aims to make dental knowledge accessible to everyone. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys writing informative dental blogs to help people take better care of their oral health.
