Brace-Friendly Lunches

School is back... and so is the daily struggle on what to do for lunch

Make a lunch? Buy a school lunch? What can a kid with braces eat for lunch?

Any parent will probably admit... it’s no fun!

This year, we want to help you avoid the “school lunch slumps.”

Below are tips on lunchtime "Yeses" and some "No-nos"... and maybe some menu inspiration for the official lunch-makers!

A BRACE-FRIENDLY "YES" ?

Soft breads and tortillas for sandwiches and wraps
Soft lunch meats and cheeses
Peanut butter (creamy only) and jelly
In a Thermos: soups, casseroles, mac-n-cheese, spaghetti
Pasta or potato salad
Pirates Booty/soft cheese puffs
Fruits: bananas, apple sauce, strawberries, canned peaches, pears or oranges, very thinly sliced apples, halved grapes (no seeds, not frozen)
Veggies: shredded or cut up into very small pieces
Hard-boiled eggs
Pudding or Jello cups
Yogurt
Hummus
Water or milk

?LUNCHTIME "NO-nO'S"

Breads with tough crusts, grains or kernels
Popcorn, nuts, pretzels, corn chips or taco shells
Hard or sticky candy
Fruit roll-ups or gummy snacks
Pizza crust
Tough lunch meats like salami or roast beef
Hard cheeses
Fruits or vegetables that are not soft or cut up into small pieces
Sugary soda or sports drinks

ONE MORE TIP...

?Because teeth are more susceptible to decay with braces, make sure lunch is followed by a thorough brushing. Packing a brace kit and keeping it in a backpack or locker is a great idea and should look something like this: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax, rubber bands and retainer case.