Try These 10 Braces for Kids’ Lunch Ideas
Braces and Food: What to Know
When your child first gets braces, their mouth might feel sore. During this time, soft foods are best. As they get used to their braces, they can try more foods, but some things should always be avoided.
Foods That Work Well with 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 Skip When Wearing 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
According to Dr. Albert Lucas, Dr. Lucas Jr. and Dr. Jonathan Lucas, 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
Here are some tasty lunches that won’t hurt your child’s braces:
- Soft Sandwich Day: Tuna salad on soft bread with a side of applesauce and a yogurt cup
- Pasta: Cold pasta salad with small pieces of cheese, soft vegetables, and light dressing, plus a fruit cup
- Breakfast for Lunch: Mini pancakes with a side of scrambled eggs and soft fruits like strawberries or banana slices
- Soup and Sides: Thermos of warm soup with soft bread for dipping and a pudding cup
- Burrito Bowl: Rice topped with beans, soft cheese, and mild salsa with avocado slices on the side
- Veggie Delight: Hummus with pita triangles, cucumber slices, and a fruit smoothie
- Cheesy Lunch: Mac and cheese in a thermos with steamed broccoli bits and a soft cookie
- DIY Lunch: Small whole wheat tortillas with separate containers of tuna or chicken salad, shredded cheese, and soft vegetables for making soft tacos
- Rice Bowl: Rice with teriyaki chicken or tofu cut into small pieces and steamed vegetables
- Simple Comfort: Mashed potatoes with small pieces of meatloaf or chicken and a side of pudding or Jell-O
Braces for Kids School Lunch Options
Many foods in the school cafeteria can work with braces too:
- Spaghetti and other pasta dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soup
- Soft sandwiches
- Rice dishes
Talk with your child about making good choices in the cafeteria. Remind them to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage their braces.
Lucas Orthodontics is Here to Help
Having braces doesn’t mean your child can’t enjoy good food! With a little planning, you can pack lunches that keep them happy and protect their braces at the same time.
If you have more questions about foods that work with braces or need other help with your child’s orthodontic care, just give us a call. We’re always happy to help make your child’s braces journey easier!
