Braces and Food: The Basics
When those new braces first go on, your child’s mouth might feel a bit tender. During these first few weeks, stick with these super-soft options:
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Warm soups
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Pasta dishes
- Smoothies (bonus: they can soothe sore teeth!)
- Yogurt and protein shakes
Foods to Skip
Some foods just don’t play nice with braces. Here’s what to avoid in those lunch boxes:
- Crunchy snacks like chips or hard crackers
- Sticky treats like caramel or chewy candies
- Hard foods that need biting with front teeth (whole apples, carrots)
- Tough meats that might get stuck
The Secret Braces Eating Trick
Here’s a tip our patients love: Cut everything into bite-sized pieces and teach your child to chew with their back teeth! This simple trick prevents food from getting trapped in braces and keeps those brackets safe.
10 Lunch Ideas Your Braces-Wearing Kid Will Actually Eat
1. Tasty Mediterranean Box
Soft pita bread triangles, creamy hummus for dipping, edamame beans, and juicy peach slices. Colorful and yummy!
2. PB&J with a Twist
Smooth peanut butter and jelly sandwich on super-soft bread, sweet strawberry slices, and a cool yogurt cup. (Got allergies? Sunflower seed butter works great too!)
3. Fun Turkey Roll-Ups
Turkey and cheese pinwheels (the kids love these!), cherry tomatoes for popping, and some soft-cooked veggies with ranch dip.
4. Power-Pack Lunch
Hard-boiled egg (peeled and ready to eat), easy-to-bite cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices, and a soft muffin for a sweet treat.
5. Plant-Powered Meal
Strips of yummy baked tofu, soft potato wedges, and sweet blueberries. Colorful and filling!
6. Beyond the Sandwich
Creamy egg or chicken salad on cloud-soft potato bread with a juicy clementine for something sweet.
7. Breakfast for Lunch!
Mini pancakes with a smear of nut butter, fresh berries, and protein-packed Greek yogurt. Who says breakfast foods are just for morning?
8. Build-Your-Own Grain Bowl
Fluffy quinoa or couscous mixed with soft roasted veggies, a drizzle of dressing, string cheese for pulling fun, and juicy melon cubes.
9. Tex-Mex Fiesta Lunch
Cheese quesadilla with beans, creamy guacamole for dipping, mild salsa, and a banana for later when hunger strikes.
10. Italian Inspiration
Colorful pasta salad with tiny pieces of soft veggies, sweet grape halves, and a soft-baked cookie that won’t hurt their braces.
School Lunch Days? No Problem!
Good news, parents! Many school cafeteria favorites work great with braces:
- French fries
- Mac & cheese (the ultimate braces-friendly food!)
- Pizza (just cut it small and skip the crust)
- Steamed veggies
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf
Just remind your child to grab a spoon or fork instead of biting directly into food.
Honey Orthodontics : We’re Here For Your Kid’s Smile Journey!
Braces don’t have to mean boring lunches! With these ideas, your child can enjoy delicious meals while keeping their braces in the best shape.
Have more questions about braces-friendly foods? We’d love to help! Contact us today to schedule a visit.