Back to School Lunch Ideas for Kids with Braces

Now that your child has braces, you know that her food choices are limited, but you still want to pack healthy lunches that will keep her energy up. Some of her old favorites like ham sandwiches or tortillas may be out because they’re tough to chew, but you’re sure to be able to find some new favorites.

Focus on foods that are soft. Avoid sticky foods or any others that might be on the list of foods to avoid you received from your orthodontist. Aside from that, you may simply need to experiment a bit to find foods that will work.

This list of foods will get you started:

  • Wraps rather than tortillas. These won’t get hard as they cool down.
  • Fresh fruits. Strawberries, melons, and bananas are better choices than apples or pears.
  • Hummus with Ritz crackers. The hummus adds protein, while the crackers are softer than raw veggies.
  • Pasta. Mix it up by using different sauces.
  • Breakfast foods. Kids love having breakfast for lunch. Include things like pancakes and sausage.
  • Yogurt. Greek yogurt tends to be more filling.
  • Cheese. Cheese sticks make great snacks, and other types of cheese pair well with soft crackers.
  • Steamed veggies and rice. This is a healthy option that’s soft on the teeth.
  • Pureed foods or smoothies. Your child might not be a baby, but her teeth might not be up for chewing after an adjustment. Send in things like pre-made smoothies, pudding, or applesauce on these days.

It’s hard to get used to braces, but you’ll soon find that there are plenty of foods she can eat. Don’t be afraid to try something different, or contact your orthodontist if you’re not sure whether or not a food is appropriate.

Posted in