Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it does come with a bit of an adjustment period—especially for kids. To put it lightly, children love sweet treats, and their diets aren’t always braces-friendly. Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, leading to delays in treatment. The good news is that there are still plenty of tasty, satisfying snacks and lunch items your child can enjoy without putting their braces at risk. Here are some ideas to keep in mind.
Foods That Are Risky with Braces
Believe it or not, some of the most common snack and lunchtime foods are also the riskiest for kids with braces. Hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and ice can chip brackets or bend wires, while sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gummy candy can pull brackets loose entirely. Even fruits like whole apples or firm pears can be problematic if they aren’t sliced first.
Beyond the risk of breakage, these foods can also get trapped around brackets and wires, making it harder to brush and floss effectively. This is also why items with many small seeds, sprinkles, or other small bits can be an issue for braces, so steer clear of them as well.
Braces-Friendly Foods That Your Child Will Enjoy
You have a long list of options when it comes to finding things that your child will enjoy that also won’t disrupt their orthodontic treatment:
- String cheese and soft crackers
- Fruit smoothies and soft sliced fruit
- Soft-baked granola bars
- Mashed or sliced avocado
- Steamed veggies like carrots
- Rice cakes with nut butter
- Pudding or applesauce cups
- Soft-serve or frozen yogurt
- Sandwiches made with soft breads
Other Tips for Supporting Orthodontic Treatment
Beyond dietary choices, there are many other simple ways to help your child feel prepared and comfortable while wearing braces throughout the school day:
- Pack an orthodontic kit that includes orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush, and floss picks so your child can brush after lunch.
- Give them a refillable water bottle to take and sip throughout the day. Rinsing with water after eating also helps clear away food particles when brushing isn’t an option.
- Consider foods that are soft and easy to chew, especially after routine appointments in which your child’s braces are adjusted and their mouth is sore. Smoothies, steamed veggies, rice, and boiled pasta are all great options.
- Make sure your child knows which cafeteria and vending machine items to skip if they aren’t bringing a lunch from home. This includes hard candies with nuts, crusty breads, and chewing gum, to name a few.
Braces don’t have to mean sacrificing good snacks or feeling unprepared at school, and all it takes is a few smart choices to keep your child’s treatment right on schedule!
About the Practice
Our team here at Milton Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Milton and the surrounding areas for several years, with Dr. Codi Saunders leading the way. Dr. Saunders received his DDS at New York University College of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists. We offer a wide range of pediatric orthodontic services for kids of all ages, as well as numerous adult services as well. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, just call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (617) 698-8883.
