Braces for Kids: Fun Lunch Ideas!
What to Know About Braces for Kids
When braces are new, your child’s mouth might feel sore. Soft foods work best during this time. As they adjust, they can try more foods, but some should always be avoided.
Good Foods for Braces:
- Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melon
- Cooked vegetables
- Dairy products like yogurt and cheese
- Eggs
- Soft breads and pastas
- Rice and other grains
- Smoothies and milkshakes
Foods to Avoid with Braces:
- Hard candies and nuts
- Popcorn
- Chewy or sticky candy
- Whole apples, carrots, and corn on the cob
- Tough meat
- Hard taco shells and pizza crust
- Ice (don’t chew it!)
Helpful Eating Tips
The best way to eat with braces is to cut food into small pieces. Always chew with your back teeth, not your front teeth where most brackets are. This helps keep food from getting stuck and prevents damage to the braces.
10 Easy Lunch Ideas for School
Try these tasty lunches that are safe for braces:
- Soft Sandwich: Tuna salad on soft bread with applesauce and yogurt
- Pasta Salad: Cold pasta with small cheese pieces, soft vegetables, and light dressing
- Breakfast for Lunch: Mini pancakes with scrambled eggs and soft fruits
- Soup and Sides: Warm soup with soft bread and a pudding cup
- Burrito Bowl: Rice topped with beans, soft cheese, and mild salsa
- Veggie Delight: Hummus with pita triangles, cucumber slices, and a fruit smoothie
- Cheesy Lunch: Mac and cheese with steamed broccoli bits
- DIY Lunch: Soft tortillas with separate containers of tuna or chicken salad
- Rice Bowl: Rice with small pieces of chicken and steamed vegetables
- Simple Comfort: Mashed potatoes with small pieces of chicken and pudding
School Cafeteria Options
Many cafeteria foods work well with braces too:
- Spaghetti and pasta dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soup
- Soft sandwiches
- Rice dishes
Talk with your kids about making good choices in the cafeteria. Remind them to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
Vaught Orthodontics: Helping Kids Achieve Healthy, Happy Smiles with Braces!
Having braces doesn’t mean boring lunches! With some planning, your child can enjoy good food that keeps their braces safe. If you have questions about braces-friendly foods or need other help, just feel free to reach out!
