As the new school year gets underway, you may be busy making sure that their child has everything they need for academic success — including nutritious lunches! That might seem a little extra challenging if your child has braces, which can limit food options. This blog post aims to help. Continue reading for ideas on tasty lunch foods that will not interfere with your child’s orthodontic gear.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are easy to prepare, delicious, and mostly braces-friendly. Use soft sandwich bread. If you include meat, be sure it is thinly sliced and easy to chew. For options that include nut butter, be sure to choose smooth options because crunchy bits can interfere with braces and might cause discomfort if your child recently got their appliances adjusted.
Warm Thermos Dishes
If you have a small container that retains heat, you can include some tasty hot dishes in your child’s lunches. Mac and cheese, pizza bites, and fiesta bowls can be satisfying sources of protein that please a young palate.
Vegetables
Hard and crunchy vegetables can be challenging with braces, but they are much easier to consume when they are chopped into small pieces. Finely cut salads are a good choice. You can also include things like carrots and celery if they are in bite-sized pieces.
Fruit
There are lots of fruits that are easy to eat with braces. Bananas and grapes are always good choices, and pre-made fruit cups are both tasty and compatible with orthodontic treatment. If you include an apple, slice it thinly. If you want to prevent it from turning brown, soak the apples in salt water for a few minutes before draining and packing them.
Treats
If you choose to include treats in your child’s lunches, favor soft items that do not require a lot of chewing power. Soft-baked cookies are a good option. Try to avoid sticky treats, like fruit snacks or any type of gummies that have the potential to get stuck in their braces. Also, stay away from chips and crackers, which also could accumulate around orthodontic gear and which might be difficult to chew.
A Few More Notes
Ask your child what they would like for lunch, and accommodate them if doing so is reasonable. You should also observe what your child eats at home. What foods are both easy and enjoyable for them to consume? What foods do they struggle with, particularly when their braces are causing soreness or tenderness in their mouth? As you go through the school ear, both you and your child will likely fall into a good routine!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Megan Hanson is a highly skilled orthodontist who is proud to provide services for both adults and children. If your little one needs orthodontic care, our team would be pleased to answer your questions and support you throughout their treatment period. To learn more or to request an appointment, contact Hanson Orthodontics in Allen, TX, at 972-727-1153.