How to Pack Your Braces-Wearing Child’s Lunch

Packing your kid’s school lunch used to be a breeze. Make a ham sandwich, add a bag of chips, throw in some cookies, and voila! You’re done. But now they’re growing up and wearing braces and your options are limited when it comes to preparing meals. Continue reading for some tips on how to make them a nutritious lunch they can enjoy while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If They’ve Just Gotten Braces or Had Them Adjusted

When children first get braces, they’ll likely experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity. Same goes for after a monthly adjustment.

If your kid has a sore mouth, consider stashing the following in their lunch box:

• Mashed potatoes.
• Maccaroni and cheese.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Yogurt.
• Applesauce.
• Soup.

Basically, you want to stick to anything that doesn’t require much chewing. You could even turn to protein shakes and smoothies (in a non-leak container of course)!

Sandwiches Are Still Okay

Sandwiches are a convenient staple of school lunches, but be mindful that the bread you use doesn’t have tough crusts or is made of chewy dough. Choose soft sandwich bread or tortillas, and cut sandwiches into smaller, manageable pieces.

Fillings such as egg salad, tuna salad, soft cheese, or tender shredded chicken give your child the protein they need without excessive chewing. Steer clear of hard sandwich rolls, crusty baguettes, and chewy meats that could place too much pressure on brackets and wires.

You can also pack a soft tortilla wrap with hummus, avocado, and tender chicken for a balanced, easy-to-eat lunch.

Include Soft Fruits & Cooked Veggies

While apples are nutritious, the excessive force necessary to bite into and chew them doesn’t do your child with braces any favors. Ditto pears and mangoes. On the flip side, numerous soft options like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, avocados, and grapes provide a sweet treat that’s easy to chew.

The same philosophy applies to vegetables. Raw carrots and celery are hard and crunchy, but steam them and you’ve got nutritious perfection! Roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts are also soft, savory choices packed with the vitamins and nutrients your growing child needs.

Yogurt, Cheese, and Other Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones, making dairy products useful additions to your child’s lunchbox. Yogurt, cottage cheese, and small pieces of soft cheese are easy to eat with braces.

Plain or low-sugar yogurt can provide protein and calcium without the sticky texture of many chewy snacks. Cheese cubes or slices also make convenient additions to a packed meal.

Choose options with limited added sugar whenever possible. Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavities around brackets, where plaque can accumulate more easily.

Packing braces-friendly lunches doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on soft proteins, easy-to-chew fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and especially soft options if your child has just gotten braces or an adjustment.

About the Practice

Anderson Dental Center in Hackensack is staffed by a highly experienced team of dentists and in-house specialists ready to provide your child with the very best care available, whether it’s orthodontic treatment or a routine checkup. We’re also in-network with most major dental insurances and will work hard to maximize your benefits. Contact us through our website or by calling (201) 546-7435.