Misaligned teeth and unhealthy bites can make smiling, chewing, and even enunciating clearly a chore for your child. Luckily, traditional braces can address either or both of these orthodontic issues, enhancing both the look and function of their smile in the process. There is one downside, however: dietary restrictions. This can make putting together delicious and nutritious school lunches a bit more cumbersome. Don’t worry – here are eight ideas to spark some inspiration!
8 Foods to Avoid Putting in Their School Lunches
First, it’s important to discuss some foods not to include in your child’s lunch box. Remember, these items can place extreme pressure on their braces, increasing their risk of experiencing an orthodontic emergency. So, avoid packing:
- Raw vegetables, like carrots and celery
- Hard rolls or tough breads with seeds or grains
- Thick crackers
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Thin crust pizza
- Tough candy, like jawbreakers, taffy, and lollipops
8 Braces-Friendly Alternatives
Now that you know a few things to avoid, let’s discuss some delicious and braces-friendly options you can include! Some of the most popular choices are:
- Mashed potatoes (or mashed sweet potatoes)
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Soup and chili
- Steamed vegetables
- Cooked pasta and ravioli
- Smoothies
- Salads without crunchy toppings
A Few Delicious and Nutritious Snack Ideas
If your child has a seemingly never-ending supply of energy, they likely also have a seemingly endless appetite. If they like to snack throughout the day, don’t keep crunchy, hard, and sticky foods at-the-ready. After all, the last thing you want is for an afternoon snack to turn into an emergency trip to their orthodontist’s office! Instead, fill the pantry and refrigerator with soft, nutritious, and delicious alternatives, like hard-boiled eggs, moist muffins, and soft fruit. For after-school snacks, consider protein pancakes, air-popped popcorn (without the kernels), and pudding.
Remember, abiding by the dietary restrictions doesn’t mean your child’s meals have to be boring. With sweet fruits, creamy yogurts, cooked pasta, and vitamin-rich smoothies, they can enjoy a variety of ingredients that their tastebuds and teeth will love! Plus, many of these ideas can be put together in less than 10 minutes, ensuring your normal morning routine won’t be disrupted in the process.
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we don’t just provide personalized treatment plans and a comprehensive array of orthodontic solutions; we also help children and parents make the experience as seamless as possible! That’s why we are happy to answer any questions that come up along the way, like what foods should and shouldn’t be included in school lunches. If you’re interested in learning more about braces for children or are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 781-767-7200.