Have you recently gotten braces? Fear not! You may still have delicious lunches and protect your braces at the same time. However, children wearing braces must eat with caution. Here are some pointers and nutritious lunch suggestions from Dr. Christopher Murphy.
The First Few Weeks: Taking It Easy
When you first get braces, your mouth needs some time to adjust. During this break-in period, stick to these mouth-friendly options:
Best Friends For New Braces:
- Scrambled eggs
- Warm oatmeal
- Soup (not too hot!)
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft pasta dishes
- Cool smoothies
- Creamy yogurt
Braces Enemies (Stay Away!):
- Hard chips and crackers
- Sticky candy (caramel, taffy, gummies)
- Whole apples and raw carrots
- Tough, chewy meats
- Popcorn (the kernels are trouble!)
- Hard pretzels and nuts
The Secret Eating Technique Every Braces-Wearer Should Know
Listen up – this tip from Dr. Christopher Murphy will save your braces AND your lunch: Cut everything into small pieces and push food to your back teeth for chewing!
This simple change helps you enjoy more foods without getting stuff stuck in your braces or popping off brackets. Your orthodontist will be impressed, and you’ll spend way less time in the bathroom mirror picking food out of your braces!
10 School Lunches That Work With Braces
These lunch ideas are tasty, filling, AND braces-safe:
- Lunch Box Nachos: Soft tortilla chips, beans, shredded cheese, and mild salsa in separate containers. Assemble right before eating for a fun DIY lunch!
- Stuffed Baked Potato: Cold stuffed potato with cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream. Microwave at school if possible, or enjoy cold!
- Pita Pocket: Soft pita stuffed with tuna salad, chicken salad, or hummus with tiny-cut veggies and a side of applesauce.
- Breakfast Mix: Mini pancakes with syrup for dipping, yogurt with soft berries, and a hard-boiled egg for protein.
- Build-Your-Own Tacos: Soft tortillas, seasoned ground meat or beans, shredded cheese, and sour cream with a banana for dessert.
- Pasta: Cold pasta salad with tiny-cut veggies, cheese cubes, and Italian dressing, plus grapes on the side.
- Meatball Sub: Soft roll with pre-cut meatballs and sauce, string cheese, and soft-baked cookies.
- Asian Inspiration: Rice or noodles with small pieces of cooked chicken or tofu and soft steamed veggies.
- Soup & Sides: Thermos of soup or chili with soft bread and pudding cup for dessert.
- Leftover Magic: Last night’s dinner (pasta, soft tacos, casseroles) often makes the best braces-friendly lunch!
Cafeteria Strategy: What to Pick in the Lunch Line
School lunch can totally work with braces! Just choose:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Mac & cheese
- Pizza (cut into small bites)
- Chicken nuggets (skip any crunchy coating)
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Chili or soup
- Soft sandwiches
Pro tip: Bring a small travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your backpack. A quick brush after lunch keeps your braces clean and your breath fresh!
The Bright Side of Braces in Southern Maine Orthodontics
Remember, braces are temporary, but your awesome smile will last forever! These lunch ideas from Dr. Christopher Murphy prove you can still eat well and enjoy food while straightening your teeth.
Need more tips? We’re here to make your braces journey as smooth as possible!