Packing your child’s lunch can be challenging enough without adding braces to the mix. When your child got their braces, you likely received a list of no-go foods during orthodontic treatment. Avoiding these food items is necessary to lower your child’s risk of experiencing a broken bracket or wire and developing oral health issues, like cavities as tooth decay. However, when it comes to packing your child’s lunch, coming up with new ideas that don’t include these food items is challenging. Continue reading for some ideas that your child will love!
Which Foods Should Be Avoided in School Lunches?
To ensure that your child’s treatment goes as smoothly as possible, it’s best that they avoid the following items when they have their braces:
- Crunchy Foods: Some crunchy foods are okay for your child to enjoy. However, things that are especially hard or crispy can cause damage if they are chomped on wrong. This can result in broken brackets, wires, or bands. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can slow down the treatment. Avoid things like jaw vegetables, croutons, hard bread, and thin crust pizza.
- Food with Small Pieces: It’s not the consistency of these foods that are the issue. Instead, it’s the small pieces that can become lodged in their orthodontic hardware. Bacteria feed on these small pieces, increasing your child’s risk of cavities. Avoid foods like chunky peanut butter, popcorn, nuts, fruits with lots of seeds, and granola.
- Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can get stuck around your child’s brackets and wires, causing them to become dislodged. It is best to avoid items that are particularly sticky, including chewy candy, jolly ranchers, fudge, taffy, and caramel.
What Should You Pack in Your Child’s Lunch?
After eliminating the food above from your child’s lunch, what is left? Fortunately, there are still plenty of options. Here are some ideas:
- Tuna/Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
- Protein and Rice Bowls
- Chili/Soups
- Deli Meat and Cheese Sandwiches
- Egg, Cheese, and Sausage Burritos
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Avocados
- Canned Peaches
- Bananas
There are still plenty of delicious, nutritious options available for your child to enjoy during lunchtime at school. With a little bit of creativity, they will enjoy their midday meal just as much as they did before beginning orthodontic treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Cohen is an experienced orthodontist serving patients in the Highland Park community. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University where she graduated with high honors. She received her Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences and Certificate of Orthodontics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (224) 427-6800.