Can I Eat Subway With Braces? A Braces-Friendly Guide to Subway

Yes, you can eat Subway with braces, but with caveats! Navigating the world of food with braces requires a bit of strategic planning and modification. Subway, with its customizable options, can actually be a surprisingly good choice, provided you make informed decisions about your sandwich ingredients. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of enjoying a Subway meal while protecting your orthodontic investment.

Decoding the Subway Menu: Braces-Friendly Choices

The key to a successful Subway experience with braces lies in understanding which ingredients pose a risk to your brackets and wires, and which are relatively safe. Think soft, manageable, and easy to chew.

Bread Selection: Softness is Key

• The Winners: Italian bread (the standard white bread) and honey oat are generally considered the safest bets. They are softer than other options and less likely to get stuck in your braces.
• The Losers: Steer clear of Italian Herbs & Cheese, Monterey Cheddar, and Hearty Italian. These breads have harder crusts, seeds, or chunks of cheese that can dislodge brackets or get lodged between wires.

Protein Power-Ups: Choose Wisely

• The Winners: Turkey, ham, chicken breast (shredded is best), and tuna are your friends. These proteins are relatively soft and easy to chew. Opt for smaller, thinner slices.
• The Losers: Steak, meatballs, and pepperoni can be problematic. They are often tougher and require more chewing force, increasing the risk of damaging your braces.

Veggie Verdict: Soft and Savory

• The Winners: Lettuce, spinach, tomatoes (sliced thinly), cucumbers, green peppers, and onions are generally safe.
• The Cautious: Pickles can be tricky due to their crunch. Jalapeños might be too firm. Chop them into smaller pieces or avoid them if you’re uncertain. Olives without pits are fine, but be extra cautious to ensure there are no pits present!

Sauce Situation: Avoid the Sticky

• The Winners: Mustard (yellow, honey), mayonnaise, ranch, and oil & vinegar are typically fine.
• The Losers: Honey mustard, sweet onion sauce, and any overly sugary or sticky sauces are best avoided. They can contribute to plaque buildup and are harder to clean from your braces.

Cheese Considerations: Softness Matters

• The Winners: American cheese and provolone are typically soft enough to be safe.
• The Cautious: Avoid shredded cheeses because they are more likely to get stuck.

The Art of the Braces-Friendly Subway Order

Putting it all together, here’s how to craft the perfect braces-friendly Subway order:

1. Choose Italian or Honey Oat bread.
2. Select turkey, ham, or shredded chicken.
3. Load up on soft veggies like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
4. Opt for mustard, mayonnaise, or a light oil & vinegar dressing.
5. Consider American cheese or provolone (in moderation).
6. Ask for your sandwich to be cut into smaller pieces.

Eating Subway With Braces: Tips and Tricks

• Take Small Bites: This reduces the pressure on your brackets and wires.
• Chew Carefully: Focus on chewing with your back teeth.
• Cut Your Sandwich: Ask the Subway employee to cut your sandwich into smaller, manageable pieces. If you’re bringing it home, cut it yourself.
• Drink Water: Water helps to dislodge food particles that might get stuck.
• Check After Eating: Use a mirror to check for any food trapped in your braces.
• Brush and Floss: Brushing and flossing immediately after eating is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and maintain good oral hygiene. Carry a travel toothbrush and floss with you.
• Be Mindful of Temperature: If you have just had your braces tightened, sensitive teeth can be irritated by very hot or very cold foods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eating Subway with Braces

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information for readers with braces wanting to eat at Subway.

1. Can I eat a footlong sub with braces?

While technically you can, a 6-inch sub is generally a better choice. It’s easier to manage and less likely to cause strain on your braces. If you opt for a footlong, definitely cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces.

2. What if I accidentally eat something hard that damages my braces?

Contact your orthodontist immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself. They will assess the damage and schedule an appointment to repair your braces. In the meantime, if a wire is poking you, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end.

3. Are Subway salads a better option than sandwiches with braces?

Yes, salads are a generally safer option as they eliminate the bread, which can be a source of problems. Follow the same guidelines for protein, vegetables, and dressings, choosing softer options and avoiding hard or sticky ingredients.

4. Is it safe to eat Subway cookies with braces?

Generally no. Subway cookies are often hard or chewy and can easily damage your braces. It’s best to avoid them altogether.

5. Can I use a knife and fork to eat my Subway sandwich?

Absolutely! Using a knife and fork is a great way to minimize the stress on your braces. Cut your sandwich into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

6. What about the Subway melts? Are they safe?

The melted cheese can actually be beneficial, as it softens the sandwich. However, be mindful of the bread choice and fillings. Avoid melts with hard or chewy ingredients.

7. What should I do if food gets stuck in my braces after eating at Subway?

Brush and floss immediately. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Use an interdental brush (proxy brush) to remove any stubborn food particles.

8. Are there any particular Subway locations that are better for people with braces?

Not really. The important thing is knowing what to order and how to modify your order. Focus on making safe ingredient choices, no matter the location.

9. Should I avoid Subway entirely while I have braces?

No, not at all! With careful planning and the right choices, you can enjoy a Subway meal while protecting your braces. The key is to be mindful and make informed decisions.

10. Can I eat Subway’s new Baja Steak & Jack sub with braces?

Probably not. Steak is generally not recommended with braces, and while the melted cheese may help a bit with softening, this option is a greater risk due to the tougher steak ingredient.

11. How soon after getting my braces tightened can I eat Subway?

Wait until the initial sensitivity subsides. Start with very soft foods and gradually introduce slightly firmer options. Avoid anything that requires a lot of chewing for the first few days.

12. Is it okay to eat a veggie patty at Subway with braces?

Generally, yes, if the veggie patty is soft. Some veggie patties are firmer than others. If it seems too tough, it’s best to avoid it or cut it into very small pieces.