If you pack your child’s school lunch, then deciding what to make can be a challenge. It’s hard to know exactly what they’ll crave in the middle of the day, but it can be even tougher if your loved one has braces or has started Phase 1 orthodontics. Certain foods can break their wires or brackets, so you might imagine you have a limited palate to work with, but here’s a guide to curate safe, delicious meals.
Which Foods Should Braces Wearers Avoid?
As a quick refresher, hard, crunchy, and tough items should be avoided during your child’s orthodontic treatment. Just one mishap can break their hardware, which can cause delays if it consistently happens. This can include croutons, crusty breads, popcorn, certain raw vegetables, bone-in meats, chips, seeds, nuts, and granola bars.
Even sticky and chewy options can be troublesome. They can get trapped more easily between the brackets and wires, meaning your loved one might struggle to clean them off in the bathroom during their break.
So, What Should I Pack My Child for Lunch?
With that list of foods above, it’s easy to imagine your options are very limited, but there are still plenty of stuff out there. Here are a few favorites they may love:
- Protein helps your child feel more energized for the rest of the day, and finely cut or thinly sliced meats are great choices. Chicken nuggets are another popular pick.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables can be trouble, like apples or carrots, but preparing them in bite-sized pieces can be helpful. There’s also plenty of soft ones, like bananas, steamed veggies, and ripe peaches.
- Dairy has calcium for their oral and overall health, so consider adding yogurt or string cheese to their lunchbox.
- Soft sandwiches offer great potential for combinations with different deli meats, add-ins, and condiments. Just use bread that’s not too crusty.
While you might’ve been lost at first on what to pack for your child’s school lunch, there are still plenty of options to consider. Keep in mind the items above, and you can make this part of their day exciting and delicious.
About the Author
Dr. Alex Johnson earned his dental degree from Washington University and then completed his Orthodontic Certificate at the same institution. He has over 30 years of experience that he uses to straighten the smiles of patients in Palm Harbor. By staying at your child’s side throughout their treatment, they can avoid delays to their results. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 727-786-7550.