If your child has braces, you’re probably very familiar with their dietary guidelines; unfortunately, certain foods simply don’t mesh well with orthodontic treatment. That said, while avoiding crunchy, hard, or sticky foods is essential, coming up with school lunch ideas that are both braces-friendly and nutritious can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some ideas worth considering that won’t just benefit your child’s health, but will also ensure there are no setbacks in their treatment.
School Lunch Ideas for Your Child with Braces
Eating the wrong foods during braces treatment can damage or break brackets, bend or snap wires, or even get stuck between the braces and the teeth, expediting oral health issues. Combine this with the fact that you have no control over what your child’s school cafeteria is serving, and your child’s orthodontic treatment could be in jeopardy during the school day! In order to avoid these complications and keep things on track, here are some ideal options for you to pack for them:
- Soft sandwiches with easy-to-eat meats like ham, turkey, and tuna
- Boiled pasta, quinoa, and rice
- Mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs
- Yogurt, pudding, and gelatins
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Soups, broths, and chilis
- Soft fruits or finely cut-up fruit
- Salads without crunchy vegetables or croutons
What Should My Child Avoid Eating?
Eating the right foods during orthodontic treatment is crucial; however, it’s just as much about avoiding problematic ones. Some absolute no-go items that your child should avoid include:
- Raw vegetables, as well as fruits that may be hard to bite into such as apples
- Hard breads, rolls, pretzels, and croutons
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn
- Nuts and seeds
- Granola bars
- Chunky peanut butter
- Meat on the bone, such as ribs, chicken wings, and some types of fish
- Hard cookies and pastries
- Certain types of hard candies like jawbreakers, lollipops, caramel, and taffy
You should inform your child about these foods and how they can disrupt their orthodontic treatment, so that they aren’t unknowingly eating them. However, by helping to put together braces-friendly lunches for them, you can easily keep things on track and bring them to their straighter, healthier smile right on time.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics of Hopkinton has served patients in the community for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance; the journey to a straighter smile awaits! Telephone: (508) 435-1200.