Braces are considered a rite of passage for many children, and as the parent of a child with braces, there are many things you’ll need to consider to make sure their orthodontic journey doesn’t encounter any hiccups or snags. Things like wearing their retainer or elastics, keeping up with scheduled checkups, and at-home oral hygiene probably come to mind first. But what about their diet? It’s important to know what your child should and shouldn’t be eating at school (or even at home) while they have braces; here’s a brief overview and some helpful suggestions.
How Do Braces Affect My Child’s Diet?
If you’ve worn braces in the past, you probably remember the long list of off-limit foods that you couldn’t enjoy – which might’ve been tragic if you’re a fan of things like popcorn, tough loaves of bread, bone-in wings, and hard candy like Jolly Ranchers. Although braces have indeed evolved a lot since your orthodontic journey, dietary guidelines still play an important part in treatment.
To put it simply, there are all types of foods out there that pose a threat to braces. Certain items can become trapped underneath or between them, or a bracket or wire might end up breaking or popping off. Other foods are exceptionally sticky and can easily become lodged between the teeth and braces. And to make matters worse, some items are simply not great for oral health, and if your child eats them, braces or not, their teeth will be threatened regardless.
Braces-Friendly Lunch Options Your Child Will Enjoy
Your child’s braces are an investment in their lifelong smile, so it’s best to provide them with options that aren’t just tasty, but also perfectly safe for their braces. Here are some great ideas:
- Tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, and PB&J sandwiches
- Soups, brothers, and chilis
- Salads (without crunchy vegetables or croutons)
- Cooked pasta, rice, and quinoa
- Steamed or boiled vegetables
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Fresh fruit and yogurt (skip the granola, as it’s usually quite hard and crunchy)
Foods You Shouldn’t Pack in Your Child’s Lunch
We’ve mentioned some offenders already, but there are numerous foods and drinks out there that you should encourage your child to steer clear of while they have braces, including things like:
- Popcorn and corn on the cob
- Hard nuts, especially those with shells
- Tough meats like beef jerky or steak
- Bone-in meats like chicken wings and ribs
- Particularly hard, chewy, or sticky candy like jawbreakers, taffy, and caramel
- Sports drinks, sodas, and energy drinks, all of which are high in sugar
With so many braces-friendly options out there, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep your child’s orthodontic progress on track while also ensuring they are well-fed and excited about their daily lunch menu! But if you ever have questions about whether a food is braces-friendly or not, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s orthodontist – they’ll also have some other excellent suggestions!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Webster has proudly served families in the Webster, MA community for many years. Under the skillful leadership of Dr. Sam Alkhoury and Dr. Maddie Li, we offer a very vast range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for you or a family member, please visit our website or call us today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 943-2100.