Getting braces is an exciting milestone for kids, but for the first few weeks, there is a bit of a learning curve—especially when it comes to eating. Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can be tough on teeth, but they can also bend wires or pop off brackets. The good news is that plenty of tasty, kid-friendly snacks are easy to chew and perfectly safe for braces. Here are some items to stock your fridge and pantry with as your child undergoes their orthodontic treatment.
Soft Fruits & Veggies
Fresh produce is a great place to start; even kids who are usually picky when it comes to eating healthy will have a hard time resisting things like bananas, berries, peaches, watermelon, and applesauce. On the veggie side of things, anything steamed is a great option, especially carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and similar options. Hummus, avocado, and other healthy spreads can also be paired with soft crackers or non-crusty breads.
Dairy & High-Protein Items
Protein helps your child feel full and supports healthy teeth and gums, and luckily, it’s fairly easy to get outside of lean meats. Yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, and soft cheese cubes are all great choices that kids often enjoy. Hard-boiled eggs, tuna and chicken salad on soft bread, or other easy-to-eat sandwiches like turkey and cheese or peanut butter and jelly can also be good options. If your child’s teeth are particularly sensitive, perhaps following an orthodontic appointment, smoothies and protein shakes are also easy.
Water
Water is the most beneficial thing that your child can drink. It’s the healthiest of all beverage options, since it doesn’t contain any sugars or acids. Tap water also contains fluoride, which benefits the teeth. Wearing braces can cause the mouth to feel drier than usual, which can also slightly increase the risk of cavities. Hydrating with water encourages the mouth to produce saliva, which keeps bacteria at bay and also helps your child feel more comfortable while they wear their braces. Giving your child a refillable water bottle with their lunch is one of the smartest things you can do.
Other Helpful Tips for Snacking with Braces
A few small habits and adjustments can make a huge difference while your child undergoes orthodontic treatment. Some useful tips you should keep in mind include:
- You or your child can cut their food into smaller, bite-size pieces to make biting and chewing easier.
- Try to encourage your child to eat their meals and snacks in one session, rather than spread out throughout the day.
- Have your child pack an orthodontic kit to bring with them to school that includes all of the essentials, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, and orthodontic wax, to ensure they can clean their teeth after meals and handle any unexpected mishaps.
The bottom line is, with a little planning, snack time and meals can stay easy for your child and ensure their orthodontic treatment isn’t impacted at all.
About the Practice
With Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Codi Saunders, and Dr. Sam Alkhoury leading the way, our team has proudly served the needs of families in Fitchburg and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental orthodontic services for kids of all ages, from tried-and-true metal braces to routine preventive care to keep things healthy moving forward. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for your child, you can reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (978) 424-4255.