Before your child started orthodontic treatment, you could pack their school lunch with everything from crisp red apples to delicious peanut brittle. Now that they have braces, however, there is a long list of foods that are no longer on the table. Although abiding by the dietary restrictions is essential in preventing a broken bracket or wire, that doesn’t mean that grocery shopping needs to be a hassle. Keep reading for a complete guide to a braces-friendly lunch!
10 Braces-Friendly Items for School Lunches
Braces are comprised of high-quality, extremely durable materials. However, it is possible for them to become loose or snap due to excessive pressure, like the pressure needed to bite into a whole apple. That’s why it’s best to fill your child’s lunch with softer foods, including:
- Egg salad
- Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
- Applesauce
- Overnight oats
- Yogurt
- Jello
- Avocados
- Soft fruit, like bananas
- Soft, boiled eggs
- Smoothies
Look Out! 8 Items That Can Lead to Broken Braces
Of course, no list would be complete without discussing what not to pack. The following items should be avoided while your child has braces:
- Raw fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots.
- Nuts
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candy
- Bagels
- Beef jerky
- Popcorn
- Licorice
A Few Other Staples to Consider
Packing the right foods is just the start of a braces-friendly lunch. To keep your child’s teeth in pristine condition, they should also avoid sports drinks, fruit juices, and other beverages that are high in sugar. Instead, pack them a big bottle of water. Not only will this keep them hydrated, but it will also help remove food particles and debris from their brackets.
Packing some orthodontic essentials in their lunch box is a good idea too. For example, dental wax can cover any sharp edges, making their eating experience much more enjoyable. Plus, having a clean toothbrush on hand to brush after each meal can help reduce their chances of developing cavities significantly.
When packing your child’s school lunch, you want to create a meal that is delicious, nutritious, and, of course, won’t lead to an orthodontic emergency. Fortunately, hitting all of those marks isn’t hard with the above list at the ready the next time you go grocery shopping!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, our world revolves around helping our patients achieve straighter teeth and beautiful smiles with braces. With that said, we know that the start of orthodontic treatment can be overwhelming for some families. That’s why we place a huge emphasis on patient education! So, if you have a question about what your child can and can’t eat or simply want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website or by phone at (860) 774-2008.