Can You Eat Ice Cream with Braces? A Sweet Yes from Virginia Braces
If you’ve just gotten braces and you’re wondering whether ice cream is still on the menu—you’re in luck! Ice cream is not only braces-friendly, but it can also help soothe your mouth during the first few days of treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying ice cream with braces.
The Good News: Ice Cream Is Braces-Safe
Unlike hard, crunchy, or sticky snacks, ice cream is soft and easy to eat, which makes it ideal for people with braces—especially right after an adjustment. In fact, many orthodontists recommend soft, cold foods during the initial days to relieve soreness.
Benefits of Ice Cream for Sore Teeth:
Soothes discomfort by numbing sore gums and teeth
Easy to chew and won’t damage brackets or wires
Kid-approved treat that feels like a reward!
Things to Watch Out For
While ice cream is safe for braces, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
Avoid mix-ins like hard candies, nuts, or cookie chunks that could damage your braces.
Limit sugar: Ice cream is sugary, and braces make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly. Sugar can stick around your brackets and lead to cavities or white spots.
Rinse or brush after eating: If brushing isn’t possible right away, rinse your mouth with water to remove leftover sugar.
Smart Ice Cream Choices
Here are some braces-friendly ice cream ideas:
Plain vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry
Soft serve or frozen yogurt
Milkshakes (just avoid using a straw if you just got braces)
Smooth gelato or sorbet
Avoid anything with:
Caramel swirls
Toffee bits
Hard chocolate coatings
Peanut brittle or candy toppings
Final Scoop: Yes, You Can Have Ice Cream!
So go ahead and treat yourself! Just remember to stick to smooth, simple flavors and keep up with your brushing routine. At Virginia Braces and Invisalign Center, we want your orthodontic journey to be as comfortable—and enjoyable—as possible. If you have any questions about what’s safe to eat, our team is always here to help.
