Braces for Kids: What to Pack for a Stress-Free School Lunch

It can be difficult to prepare your child’s lunch each day, particularly if they wear braces. Finding meals that are both delicious and safe for children wearing braces might seem like a daily challenge. Regarding braces for kids, parents often need to guide their children on making appropriate food choices. Don’t worry, though! We can help with easy, kid-friendly lunch alternatives that are tasty and kind to braces. Dr. Sosebee, Dr. Britt and Dr. Brown have a list of ideal school lunches for your child.

Braces and Food: What Works and What Doesn’t

When your child first gets braces, their mouth may feel sore. During this time, soft foods are best:

• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Soup
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Smoothies (these can also help with braces pain)
• Yogurt and protein shakes

Foods to keep away from braces include:

• Crunchy snacks (chips, hard crackers)
• Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, chewy candy)
• Hard foods (whole apples, raw carrots)
• Tough meats

The Best Way to Eat With Braces

How your child eats matters as much as what they eat. The best tip? Cut food into small pieces and chew with the back teeth. This helps keep food from getting stuck in braces and prevents damage.

10 Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids With Braces

1. Mediterranean Lunch: Soft pita bread, hummus, edamame beans, and cut-up peaches
2. Better PB&J: Smooth peanut butter and jelly on soft whole wheat bread with sliced strawberries and yogurt (use seed butters if allergic to nuts)
3. Turkey Roll-Ups: Turkey and cheese pinwheels with cherry tomatoes and soft-cooked veggies
4. Protein Pack: Hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes or thin cucumber slices with dip, and a soft muffin (no nuts)
5. Plant-Based Lunch: Baked tofu strips, soft potato wedges, and blueberries
6. Sandwich Switch: Egg or chicken salad on soft bread with a small orange
7. Breakfast Lunch: Pancakes with nut butter, fresh berries, and Greek yogurt
8. Grain Bowl: Quinoa or couscous with soft roasted veggies and dressing, string cheese, and melon cubes
9. Tex-Mex Meal: Bean and cheese quesadilla with guacamole and salsa, plus a banana
10. Italian Lunch: Pasta salad, grapes, and a soft cookie (without nuts)

Braces for Kids School Lunch Options 

Good news! Many school cafeteria foods work well with braces:

• French fries
• Mac & cheese
• Pizza (cut small, avoid the crust)
• Steamed vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Meatloaf

Teach your child to make smart choices and cut food into smaller pieces when needed.

Sosebee & Britt Orthodontics: Your Partner in Creating Confident Smiles for Kids

Dr. Sosebee, Dr. Britt and Dr. Brown want to make your child’s braces experience as easy as possible. Whether you need more food ideas or tips for caring for braces, we’re ready to help.

Call us today to set up an orthodontist consultation and learn how we can make braces a positive experience for your child!