Does Your Child Have Braces? Here’s What to Pack in Their Lunch

Both children and parents know how stressful back-to-school time can be. Everyone’s relearning a new set of old routines, going to bed earlier, and waking up before the sun rises. Unfortunately, kids with braces have another significant thing to worry about – their orthodontic treatment. Because of their metal wires and brackets, you must be a bit more mindful about what you put in their lunch bag. Are you unsure what to pack in their lunch? Continue reading to find out which foods are acceptable, and which are not.

How Does Your Child’s Lunch Affect Their Smile?

First and foremost, you may be wondering why you have to be careful about the foods you pack in your child’s lunch. Well, not only can poor options put their smile at risk of oral health problems, but they can harm your child’s braces as well. Certain foods can add unnecessary pressure to your little one’s braces, causing them to become damaged. If that happens, additional time and effort will be required to fix the problem. While your child undergoes orthodontic treatment, you must help them take all steps necessary to keep their smile safe.

The Do’s and Don’ts of What to Pack in Your Child’s Lunch

It’s critical to understand which foods are okay to pack in your child’s lunch if they wear braces. Here’s a quick breakdown of good and bad options.

Acceptable Foods

Foods that are soft but high in nutritional value are excellent choices for your little one’s school lunch. Some examples include:

• Tuna
• Chicken
• Egg salad
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Sliced lunch meat (i.e., ham, turkey, or bologna)
• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Jell-O
• Avocados
• Canned peaches with cottage cheese
• Sliced bananas and peanut butter
• Quinoa
• Soft, boiled eggs

Foods You Should Avoid

When eating with braces, a general rule of thumb to follow is to avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy. Here are a few examples:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Nuts
• Corn on the cob
• Hard candy
• Beef jerky
• Bagels
• Hard pretzels
• Bone-in meat
• Popcorn
• Licorice
• Laffy taffy
• Gum that isn’t sugar-free
• Sugary and acidic beverages

Tips to Help Your Child Care for Their Braces at School

Make sure your child is well-equipped with the right oral hygiene necessities while they’re away from home. That way, they can keep their teeth, gums, and braces in optimal condition even during school. Here are some tips to help them maintain a healthy, problem-free smile:

• Brush and floss after lunch or eating a snack
• Drink plenty of water to rinse out the mouth and wash away any harmful, lingering substances
• Rinse with mouthwash to fight gingivitis and tooth decay
• Use dental wax to protect soft oral tissues from possible metal irritation

By remembering which foods to pack and avoid, you can actively protect your child’s smile while delivering a healthy, nutritious meal!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, we do more than just straighten teeth. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure your treatment is as smooth sailing, enjoyable, and fulfilling as possible. We’ll be there for you every step of the way on your journey towards a beautiful smile! For more braces tips, visit our website or call our office.