While your child wears braces to straighten their teeth, there are certain foods they can continue to enjoy and others they will need to avoid. The potential for a broken wire or bracket exists, especially if they bite down on something hard or chewy. When it’s time to start packing their lunches for school again, why not make sure their braces stay intact by learning what should and shouldn’t be included in their daily lunchbox?
Which Foods Can Be Problematic with Braces?
Broken wires and brackets can delay treatment. They can also cause further harm to your child’s soft oral tissues and teeth. Instead of increasing their risk of an orthodontic emergency, here are foods you should avoid putting in their lunch when it’s time to go to school:
- Raw fruits and vegetables (celery, apples, carrots)
- Hard bread or rolls
- Croutons
- Hard candy
- Pretzels
- Ice
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Granola bars
- Taffy
- Chewy/sticky candy
- Caramel
- Gum
- Tough meat
Even if some of these foods will not cause braces to break or detach, others can be difficult to remove because they easily burrow into tiny crevices. If left untouched, they can increase your child’s risk of developing dental decay and cavities.
Which Braces-Friendly Foods Can You Pack for Your Child?
When preparing to pack your child’s lunch, here are some options you can consider, as they are less likely to cause harm to their smile or appliances:
- Pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft cheese
- Eggs
- Rice
- Yogurt
- Softer meats
- Quiche
- Soups
- Chili
- Casseroles
- Soft fruits or those cut up into smaller pieces
- Steamed vegetables
- Beans
- Soft bread
- Pasta
- Smoothies
Most importantly, keeping your child’s lunchbox full of healthy, nutrient-rich foods will benefit their oral and overall health. While they will still need to clean their teeth and gums after eating to prevent food debris from accumulating beneath their brackets and wires, these options are gentler on their smile and taste great while providing the valuable nutrients your child needs to thrive.
Don’t let packing your child’s lunch become a troublesome task. Keep your fridge and cabinets full of braces-friendly foods, and you can expect them to enjoy their daily meals with greater peace of mind.
About the Practice
Treehouse Orthodontics believes in helping patients and their parents understand how to navigate daily life while wearing braces. Since many adjustments are required, especially when a child is wearing traditional brackets and wires, our skilled orthodontists provide clear explanations of treatment, maintenance, and food-related dos and don’ts. Visit our website or call one of our offices to speak with a member of our team about scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist if you have questions about helping your child throughout treatment.