Braces for Kids Lunch Edition
Now, unfortunately, our certified specialists in orthodontics—Dr. Brooks Barefoot, Dr. Kevin Theroux, and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue—aren’t going to stop by your house every morning and make your kids’ lunches (we sometimes don’t even have time to pack our own)! However, as a provider of affordable braces and expert care, we’re happy to offer you a starting list of 10 easy lunch ideas in this post to help you expand your repertoire for those school days when lunch inspiration runs low.
Braces for Kids -Friendly Foods: What’s Safe and What’s Not
As parents, you want to ensure your child’s braces remain intact while still providing them with delicious, satisfying meals. The good news? There are plenty of options that won’t compromise your child’s treatment or leave them hungry throughout the school day.
Ideal foods for new braces include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Smoothies (which also help soothe braces pain)
- Yogurt and protein shakes
Foods to avoid with braces include anything that could potentially damage the brackets or wires:
- Crunchy snacks (like chips or hard crackers)
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, or chewy candies)
- Hard foods that require biting with front teeth (whole apples, raw carrots)
- Tough meats
The Secret to Eating With Braces
As Dr. Brooks Barefoot, Dr. Kevin Theroux, and Dr. Elizabeth Donahue often remind our patients, how you eat is just as important as what you eat when wearing braces. The key technique? Cut foods into small, bite-sized pieces and direct them straight to the back teeth for chewing. This simple approach helps prevent food from getting stuck in brackets and reduces the risk of damage to the front of the braces.
10 Delicious School Lunch Ideas for Braces Wearers
Here are some creative, braces-friendly lunch options that provide great nutrition without compromising 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 (substitute other nut or seed butters for allergies)
- Turkey Roll-Ups: Turkey and cheese pinwheels with a side of 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 leftover 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 With Braces
Good news for parents of braces wearers! Many cafeteria staples are actually braces-friendly. Your child can enjoy:
- French fries
- Mac & cheese
- Pizza (cut into small pieces, avoiding the crust)
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf
The key is teaching your child to make smart choices and modify foods when necessary to protect their affordable braces investment.
Expert Guidance for Your Braces Journey
At Total Orthodontics, our doctors are committed to making your child’s orthodontic experience as smooth as possible. Give us a call today to schedule your visit and learn more about how we can make braces for kids a positive, comfortable experience for your child!
