Can You Eat Pizza With Braces?

Worried that braces mean giving up pizza? Don’t stress—you can still enjoy it. But before you grab a slice, there are a few things to keep in mind to protect your brackets and wires.

What Kind of Pizza Can You Eat With Braces?

The good news is that pizza isn’t completely off-limits. The key is choosing the right type. Soft-crust or deep-dish pizza is your best bet since it’s easier to chew and less likely to damage your braces.

Crunchy, thin-crust pizzas can be risky. They can be tough to bite into and may cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend. If you love thin crust, try cutting it into smaller pieces instead of biting straight in.

Best Pizza Toppings for Braces

The toppings matter just as much as the crust. Some are totally fine, while others can be tricky to chew or get stuck in your braces.

Braces-Friendly Toppings:

• Soft cheese like mozzarella or ricotta
• Small or finely chopped vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers)
• Ground or thinly sliced meats

Toppings to Avoid:

• Large, chewy meats (steak, thick-cut pepperoni)
• Hard or crunchy veggies (raw carrots, corn kernels)
• Sticky sauces that can cling to brackets

How to Eat Pizza With Braces Without Damaging Them

If you want to enjoy pizza safely, follow these tips:

• Cut your pizza into small pieces – This reduces pressure on your braces.
• Use a fork and knife – Not the most traditional way to eat pizza, but it keeps your brackets safe.
• Chew with your back teeth – Front teeth take the most strain when biting, so avoid using them directly.
• Drink water after eating – This helps wash away food stuck in your braces.

Keeping Your Braces Clean After Eating Pizza

Pizza can be cheesy and saucy, so it’s easy for bits to get trapped in your braces. After eating, make sure to:

• Brush your teeth as soon as possible.
• Use a floss threader or interdental brush to remove stuck food.
• Rinse with water or mouthwash if you’re on the go.