Starting orthodontic treatment often comes with a lot of questions—especially about what you can and can’t eat or drink. One of the most common is “Can you drink soda with braces”?
Whether you’re a Coke lover, a Sprite sipper, or another fizzy drink fanatic, you might be wondering if braces and soda can go together at all. The short answer…it’s complicated! While soda won’t break your brackets or wires, it can do a lot of damage to your teeth over time.
Let’s dive into exactly what happens when you drink soda with braces and how to protect your grin during treatment.
TL;DR: Can You Drink Soda with Braces?
- Yes, you can drink soda with braces, but you shouldn’t do it often.
- Soda is highly acidic and full of sugar, which can lead to enamel erosion, cavities, and permanent white spots around your brackets.
- If you have to have soda, drink it with a straw, avoid sipping it over a long period, & rinse or brush your teeth afterward.
Request your complimentary consultation today at our orthodontist office in Montgomery, Millbrook, or Wetumpka!
What Happens If You Drink Soda with Braces?
If you crack open a can of soda while wearing braces, your braces won’t fall apart, but the long-term effects of drinking soda with braces are where the real risks lie.
Here’s what soda does to your teeth—and why it’s a problem during orthodontic treatment:
- Soda is highly acidic. Most fizzy drinks, including Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite, have a pH between 2.5 and 3.5. That’s extremely acidic—especially compared to your saliva’s natural pH of around 6.2 to 7.6.
- Acidic drinks erode enamel. When the pH in your mouth drops below 5.5, your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) begins to soften and break down. This leaves your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and staining.
- Sugar feeds harmful bacteria. Regular sodas are packed with sugar, which fuels the bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay. Even diet sodas, while sugar-free, are still acidic and can erode enamel.
So what does soda do to braces? While it won’t directly damage your brackets or wires, soda can discolor your teeth. And because braces cover part of the tooth surface, drinking soda during treatment can result in uneven staining or permanent white spots once your braces are removed.
Will My Ceramic Braces Stain from Soda?
You might be wondering, “Can ceramic braces stain from soda?” At Just for Grins Orthodontics, we use high-quality, stain-resistant ceramic brackets so your braces themselves won’t discolor.
However, your elastic ties (the tiny rubber bands around your brackets) can stain from dark-colored or sugary drinks, especially if you’re not brushing properly. And don’t forget—your teeth are still at risk of permanent discoloration.
So Can I Drink Soda with Braces at All?
Can you drink Sprite with braces? Can you have Coke with braces? Or is soda completely off-limits?
We get these questions all the time. The truth is, you can have soda with braces in moderation.
If you’re going to drink soda with braces, here’s a few tips to reduce the risk of cavities or discoloration:
- Use a Straw – Drinking soda with a straw helps minimize contact with your teeth and braces. It’s not foolproof, but it does help reduce the amount of acid that lingers on your enamel.
- Drink It Quickly – Don’t sip slowly throughout the day. The longer soda sits in your mouth, the more time it has to damage your teeth. Drink it quickly and follow up with water.
- Brush Your Teeth After – After drinking soda, brush your teeth to wash away lingering acid and sugar and keep plaque and discoloration at bay.
- Limit Frequency – Even if you love soda, try to avoid making it a daily habit during treatment. Drinking soda occasionally—paired with great oral hygiene—is far safer than sipping all day, every day.
Why Is Soda Bad for Braces?
To summarize:
- It’s highly acidic and erodes tooth enamel.
- It fuels bacteria that cause cavities.
- It can discolor your teeth—especially around the brackets.
- It will stain elastics, giving your braces a less than appealing appearance.
That’s why we recommend avoiding soda with braces altogether—especially during the early months of treatment when your teeth are most vulnerable.
Can I Drink Soda with a Retainer?
What about after your braces come off? Can you drink soda with a retainer in?
If you’re wearing a removable retainer, always take it out before drinking soda or any sugary beverage. Liquids can get trapped under your retainer and sit against your teeth, accelerating tooth decay.
If you have a fixed (permanent) retainer, just continue to maintain your excellent oral hygiene routine!
What Drinks Can You Have with Braces?
Looking for braces-friendly drink alternatives? Here’s some safer options:
- Water (best choice!)
- Milk (great for calcium)
- Unsweetened herbal tea
- Naturally flavored water (no sugar added)
Even with these, it’s still important to brush regularly and avoid sugary add-ins.
Still Have Questions About Braces and Fizzy Drinks?
We’re here to help every step of the way!
If you’re wondering whether you can drink pop with braces, how to protect your grin, or what drinks to avoid, our team at Just for Grins Orthodontics in Montgomery, Millbrook, or Wetumpka is happy to answer your questions.
Request your complimentary consultation today and let’s talk about your grin goals!
