Need school lunch ideas for a child in orthodontic treatment? When a kid first gets braces, they are given a long list of foods to avoid. It can make packing lunches difficult on parents who think that all of the easy options have just gone away. But that’s not true! There are many, many more kid-friendly foods that a braces-wearer CAN eat than foods they can’t. Keep reading to find out some of Dr. Erika Campbell’s favorites.
The Perfect Packed Lunch
When you are doing your weekly grocery shopping and planning for the week ahead, it is important to stock up on braces-friendly foods. Try to think about what might get stuck in the brackets and wires of your child’s braces. It’s also important to avoid any foods that could potentially break or damage the appliance. Keep in mind portability and how easy it is to pack as a school lunch too. Just like your child has to get used to living with braces, adjusting your shopping lists may take a week or two, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Yummy School Lunch Ideas
Many people mistakenly think all they can eat with braces are mushy foods. But remember, easy-to-chew foods doesn’t just mean soft foods! There’s no reason to think that mashed potatoes and pudding are your only options. Here are some of our favorite packed lunch ideas:
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Sliced lunch meat and cheese sandwiches
- Mac and Cheese
- Egg salad, chicken salad, or pasta salad
- Soup
- Easy-to-chew fruits like bananas, grapes, and mandarin oranges
- Veggies that have been cooked till they are soft
- Pastas
- Salads
- Yogurt
Foods to Avoid
Do you best to avoid packing any foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky. Here are some examples of what to avoid sending:
- Hard fruits like apples (unless cut into slices)
- Sticky candy
- Bagels
- Raw veggies like carrots or celery sticks
- Hard potato chips
- French Bread
- Hard Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Caramel or taffy
Extras to Include
In addition to a nutritious lunch, kids with braces will benefit from a few extra orthodontic tools packed in their lunchboxes. Make sure to include plenty of water. This will not only keep kids hydrated, but also help keep their braces free of food particles. Orthodontic wax may be another staple that you want to keep in your child’s lunchbox. Sometimes chewing can cause braces to rub against the insides of the cheeks or lips. Wax can cover up any sharp edges that may be troublesome when eating. And a toothbrush is never a bad idea. Your child may not have the opportunity to use it every day, but at least they’ll have it if they need it!
We’re Here for You
At our practice, we’re not only committed to creating healthy, happy smiles. We’re also dedicated to helping our new patients and their families adjust to life with braces. If there are ever any questions you have, never hesitate to ask! Our team are pros and have little tips and tricks to make wearing braces easier than you ever though it could be!
