What to Pack When Braces for Kids Are a Mealtime Factor
What’s Safe for Braces (and What’s Not)
When you first get braces, your mouth might feel a bit sore. During these first few weeks, stick to softer foods that won’t hurt or damage your new braces.
Great foods for new braces:
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Smoothies (bonus: they can help soothe sore spots!)
- Yogurt and protein shakes
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Crunchy snacks (chips, hard crackers)
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, chewy candies)
- Hard foods you’d normally bite into (whole apples, raw carrots)
- Tough meats
The #1 Secret to Eating With Braces
How you eat matters just as much as what you eat when you have braces! Here’s the trick: cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces and chew with your back teeth. This simple habit prevents food from getting stuck in your brackets and reduces the chance of damaging your braces.
Braces for Kids: 10 Awesome Lunch Ideas
Try these braces-friendly lunch options that are nutritious and won’t mess with your child’s orthodontic treatment:
- Mediterranean Delight: Soft pita bread with hummus, edamame beans, and diced fresh peaches
- Classic PB&J Upgrade: Creamy peanut butter and jelly on soft whole wheat bread, sliced strawberries, and a yogurt cup (if you have allergies, use other nut or seed butters)
- Turkey Roll-Ups: Turkey and cheese pinwheels with cherry tomatoes and small, soft-cooked vegetables
- Protein Power Pack: Hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes or thinly-sliced cucumbers with dip, and a soft muffin (no nuts)
- Plant-Based Option: Strips of marinated, baked tofu, soft-baked potato wedges, and blueberries
- Sandwich Alternative: Egg or chicken salad on soft potato bread with a clementine
- Breakfast for Lunch: Pancakes with almond butter, fresh berries, and Greek yogurt
- Grain Bowl: Quinoa or couscous mixed with roasted soft vegetables and topped with balsamic dressing; string cheese and small cubes of cantaloupe
- Tex-Mex Favorite: Bean and cheese quesadilla with guacamole and salsa; banana for a snack
- Italian Inspiration: Pasta salad, grapes, and a soft-baked cookie (without nuts)
School Cafeteria Options That Work With Braces
Good news! Many cafeteria favorites are actually braces-friendly. You can enjoy:
- French fries
- Mac & cheese
- Pizza (cut into small pieces, avoiding the hard crust)
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf
The key is making smart choices and cutting foods into smaller pieces when needed to protect your braces.
Drobocky Orthodontics is Here to Help!
Dr. Oles Drobocky and Dr. Eric Shrestha is committed to making your braces experience as smooth as possible. Whether you need more advice about eating with braces or want tips on keeping your braces clean, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Give us a call to schedule your next visit and learn more about making your braces journey a positive experience!
