Understanding How Braces Work With Food
Braces consist of brackets attached to teeth with wires running through them. This setup creates many small spaces where food can get trapped. Foods that are hard, sticky, or require biting with front teeth can:
- Damage brackets and wires
- Cause painful pressure on teeth
- Create hard-to-clean spots where cavities can form
- Lead to staining around brackets
The Adjustment Period
The first two weeks with new braces are important. During this time:
- Teeth may feel sore or sensitive
- Cheeks and lips might need time to adjust to the brackets
- Your child is learning new ways to eat and care for their braces
Best Foods During This Time:
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal with soft fruit
- Soup (not too hot)
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-cooked pasta
- Smoothies
- Yogurt and protein shakes
How Food Texture Affects Braces
Understanding food texture helps you make better lunch choices:
Soft Foods: These put minimal pressure on braces and teeth, making them ideal choices.
Crunchy Foods: These create breaking force that can pop brackets off teeth.
Sticky Foods: These can pull at wires and brackets, causing damage that might not be noticed until the next appointment.
Chewy Foods: These create ongoing pressure that can bend wires or pull brackets.
Teaching Your Child to Eat With Braces
Beyond packing the right foods, teaching proper eating techniques helps protect braces:
- Cut all foods into small, bite-sized pieces
- Chew with back teeth instead of biting with front teeth
- Eat slowly and mindfully
- Drink water while eating to help wash away food particles
- Pack a small travel toothbrush for after-lunch cleaning
10 Lunch Ideas for Braces
Each of these lunch ideas offers balanced nutrition while protecting braces:
1. Mediterranean Lunch
Soft pita cut into triangles, hummus, edamame beans, diced peaches
2. Protein-Rich PB&J Lunch
Smooth nut butter and jelly on soft bread, sliced strawberries, Greek yogurt
3. Turkey Roll-Up Nutrition Box
Turkey and cheese pinwheels, cherry tomatoes, soft-cooked vegetables
4. Balanced Protein Power Pack
Hard-boiled eggs (peeled), cucumber slices, soft muffin
5. Plant-Based Nutrition Box
Marinated tofu strips, soft-baked potato wedges, blueberries
6. Brain-Boosting Sandwich Alternative
Egg or chicken salad on soft bread, clementine sections
7. Breakfast Protein Lunch
Soft pancakes, nut butter, berries, Greek yogurt
8. Whole Grain Energy Bowl
Quinoa or couscous, soft roasted vegetables, light dressing, string cheese, melon cubes
9. Balanced Tex-Mex Plate
Bean and cheese quesadilla, guacamole, mild salsa, banana
10. Italian Nutrition Box
Pasta salad with soft vegetables, halved grapes, soft cookie
School Lunch Program Options for Children with Braces
Many school cafeteria foods work well with braces:
- French fries (soft variety)
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pizza (cut into small pieces, crust avoided)
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf or other soft meat dishes
Work with your child to identify safe options on their school lunch menu each week.
Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS: Supporting Your Child’s Braces Journey
Remember that orthodontic treatment is temporary, but the results last a lifetime. Have more questions about nutrition during orthodontic treatment? Dr. Dennis Flanagan is ready to help! Call us today to schedule a visit and learn more about supporting your child through their braces journey.