When your child gets braces, one of the biggest adjustments is learning what foods are safe to eat. The wrong lunch choices can damage wires, bend brackets, or increase the risk of cavities. But packing lunches doesn’t have to be stressful—there are plenty of tasty, braces-friendly options that keep your child full and smiling. Here are some practical ideas on what to pack in your kid’s lunchbox if they have braces.
Soft Main Dishes
The main part of your child’s lunch should be easy to chew and free from hard or sticky textures. Great options include:
- Sandwiches on soft bread with fillings like turkey, chicken salad, or hummus.
- Wraps made with tortillas, filled with lean protein and veggies.
- Pasta salads with soft noodles, cheese, and small pieces of vegetables.
- Leftovers like baked chicken, scrambled eggs, or casseroles.
Avoid hard rolls, crusty bread, or foods like pizza crust that may damage brackets.
Soft Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables are important, but they should be prepared in a braces-friendly way. Instead of packing whole apples or raw carrots, which are too hard to bite into, try:
- Apple slices or pear slices (with the skin removed, if necessary).
- Bananas, melon cubes, or berries.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots cut into small pieces.
- Cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes, which are naturally soft.
Cutting produce into bite-sized pieces makes it easier for your child to enjoy them without risking broken brackets.
Dairy for Strong Teeth
Calcium-rich foods support healthy teeth and bones, which is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces-friendly options include:
- Yogurt cups or pouches (just watch the sugar content).
- Cheese slices or string cheese.
- Cottage cheese paired with fruit.
These snacks are creamy, soft, and full of nutrients that promote strong teeth.
Protein-Packed Snacks
Protein helps keep your child full and energized throughout the day. Some safe, braces-friendly ideas are:
- Boiled eggs.
- Soft lunch meats rolled up into bite-sized pieces.
- Peanut butter or almond butter on soft bread or with banana slices.
- Hummus with soft pita bread.
Avoid nuts, beef jerky, or crunchy granola bars—they can damage wires and brackets.
Braces-Safe Treats
Kids love a little something sweet, and there are safe options that won’t harm their braces:
- Pudding cups.
- Muffins or banana bread (without nuts).
- Soft oatmeal cookies.
- Smoothies packed in a thermos.
Avoid sticky candies, caramel, and gum, which can stick to brackets and cause cavities.
Packing lunches for a child with braces doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. Focus on soft, easy-to-chew foods, cut fruits and veggies into bite-sized pieces, and avoid anything too hard, sticky, or crunchy. With a little planning, your child’s lunchbox can be both braces-friendly and delicious, helping them stay on track with orthodontic treatment while still enjoying their meals.
About the Practice
Here at Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces, our team of pediatric dental experts are eager to serve your child with traditional braces to give them a straighter, healthier smile. We use state-of-the-art dental technology to achieve flawless results, and your child will enjoy our kid-friendly, relaxing dental office. Come see why we’re a trusted provider of children’s orthodontics! Schedule an appointment online or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.