Disclosure :: This post was sponsored by and written by Dr. Melanie Fowler. If your kiddo got new braces over the summer, these tips about how to navigate meal time with braces should help your family!
What You Can And Cannot Eat With Braces, And Why {From An Orthodontist And Mom!}
As a mom, the month of August means returning to school schedules and, if you are like me, meal planning. So, what happens when your dear son or daughter got their braces this summer, and ice cream for breakfast is no longer an option?! I have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for your kids with braces that are orthodontist (and mom) approved! On a related note, I am often asked about whether Invisalign® is an alternative for teenagers. The answer is yes, which I explore more right here.
Orthodontist Approved Foods And Meal Tips For Kids In Braces
- Soft foods at first: In the week following getting braces, your kid’s mouth may be sore, so opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Other ideas might include overnight oats (which make school mornings easier) and soup.
- Cut food into smaller pieces: Cut harder foods like apples, carrots, or crusty bread into tiny bite-sized pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on the braces. It’s not that these foods HAVE to be avoided, but biting into them is quite tough and increases the risk of a bracket falling off. Braces glue is made to be strong, but not too strong! We want to easily remove the braces at the end of treatment, so it’s not made to be permanent.
- Eat slowly and chew carefully: Take your time when eating and chew with the back teeth to avoid putting too much pressure on the braces. This helps with digestion, too!
- Choose smoothies: Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, yogurt and/or protein are a nutritious and braces-friendly meal or snack option. If you are concerned about caloric intake, remember that you can always add things like protein powder to a smoothie.
- Prioritize water: Drink plenty of water to help rinse food particles from the braces. Water helps with hydration in the Louisiana heat, but more importantly water is your friend when you’re in braces because of oral hygiene as well.
- Brush after meals: Always rinse with water and brush the teeth after eating to remove any stuck food particles. I know this sounds obvious, but teeth brushing is mission critical when braces have been added to the mix.
- Reminder :: if your child plays sports that require a mouthguard like football or lacrosse, it is important to consider the right mouthguard for braces as well.
What Not To Eat When You Have Braces
- Don’t bite directly into foods: Cut foods like corn on the cob and sandwiches into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods: Don’t choose hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, and ice, which can break the braces or wires. (Yes, this includes the beloved Takis!) Avoid
crunchy snacks like popcorn, chips or pretzels that can get lodged in the braces or worse, under the gum tissue and cause inflammation. And for all the teenage boys out there…sunflower seeds aren’t allowed! - Avoid sticky and chewy foods: Stay away from foods like caramel, gum, and sticky candy, which can stick to the braces and cause damage.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Reduce the intake of sugary foods and beverages to prevent plaque build-up around the braces, which can lead to white stains and cavities. I am not saying to NEVER have a soft drink, but in general your mouth and teeth will thank you if you limit the sugar.
- Gum and chewy candy is out, for now: Again, the goal is a healthy mouth when orthodontic treatment has ended. Chewing gum and hard candies only increases the risk the braces might break, as well as leads to the potential for prolonged treatment and more trips to the orthodontist.
Do You Think Your Child May Need Braces?
If your child is at least seven years old (some children may need orthodontic treatment earlier than you think) and you are curious whether they need (or will need) braces, remember that we offer free orthodontic consultations at my Lafayette and New Iberia offices! Early detection of orthodontic issues is crucial for prevention of lengthy orthodontic treatments, extractions, and even surgical intervention. For more information, check out my website orthodonticstudio.com or call my office at (337) 981-4350. I can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos!
Learn more about Dr. Melanie Fowler and her practice using the links below.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Dr. Melanie Fowler
Dr. Melanie Fowler is a board-certified orthodontist with offices in Lafayette and New Iberia. She has owned her own practice for more than fifteen years, and is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the LSU School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics in New Orleans. She has a passion for teaching and is the course director for the Orthodontic Journal Club and manages Orofacial Anomaly clinic patients with the residents. She is active in the American Association of Orthodontists, is a past President of the Louisiana Association of Orthodontists, and past Director on the Board of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists. Melanie also served as the 2020-2021 President of Junior League of Lafayette. She is also a graduate of Leadership Lafayette XXIV and is a past recipient of a Top 20 under 40 award.
