After your child gets braces, once-convenient trips to the grocery store can become overwhelming. Since the metal brackets and wires are susceptible to breaking, it is important to find foods that are soft, vitamin-rich, and tasty enough that your child will eat it. However, after a few trips around the store, your cart is only filled with water and a new lunchbox for the school year. Fortunately, an orthodontist in Frisco is sharing five lunch ideas that are delicious and abide by the list of food restrictions!
Sandwich Classics
When it comes to a school lunch, there are few things as classic as a sandwich. Fortunately, they are braces-friendly as well! While chewy bread, like bagels, can place immense stress on your child’s wires and brackets, soft options, like sandwich bread, don’t post the same threat. So, don’t hesitate to pack their lunch with the much-loved PB & J, as long as you use smooth peanut butter and non-sticky jelly. Otherwise, you can opt for tuna, chicken, or egg salad sandwiches, which are delicious and packed with good protein.
Warm Soup
On cold days, few things are as comforting as a thermos full of warm soup. Since the tasty consistency requires minimal chewing, it is the perfect option for your child’s lunch! Plus, you can find brands that are full of vegetables, low in sodium, and include some of their favorite flavors so you can have peace of mind knowing it is a healthy, enjoyable meal as well.
Delicious Pasta
If you are a parent on-the-go, then opting for soft, delicious pasta is the way to go! Not only can you cook up a large batch at the beginning of the week, but you can also add different toppings and sauces each day to spice it up. Plus, you can opt for healthy alternatives, like carrot spirals or black bean noodles, to sneak in some extra nutrients. Just make sure to cook the noodles thoroughly so they are ultra-soft.
Fresh Fruit
If your teen has a sweet tooth, it can be tempting to throw gummy treats, chips, or an ice cream pack into their lunch throughout the week. However, these sugary foods can lead to unsightly stains and tooth decay. Fortunately, fresh fruit can deliver the same sweetness while also providing your little one with some much-needed vitamins. Therefore, don’t hesitate to cut up some fresh strawberries, kiwi, or bananas in their lunch!
Dairy Products
Did you know that dairy products, like yogurt and cheese, can strengthen your child’s teeth? According to the U.S. Academy of General Dentistry, eating cheese increases the production of alkaline saliva, which neutralizes acid in the mouth. Furthermore, yogurt is high in calcium, protein, and probiotics, which strengthens their teeth. Plus, their soft consistency makes them completely braces-friendly!
When it comes to caring for your child’s teeth and braces, it is important to view the food they eat as an important part of their preventive care. So, make sure to load up their lunch box with the above five braces-friendly ideas!
About the Author
After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Dr. Bradley Buchwald completed his graduate degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. During his time in dental school, he was granted the Dean’s Award for graduating as the valedictorian of his class before being inducted into a national dental honor society (Omicron Kappa Upsilon). Today, Dr. Buchwald is a board-certified orthodontist and active member of multiple reputable organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists. If you would like to request an appointment with him, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 972-377-5940.