As all parents of children with braces know, preparing snacks becomes a bit more complicated once orthodontic treatment begins. Eating with braces can be complicated, and it’s likely that you received an entire list of foods that your child can no longer eat, from chips to corn on the cob. Not to worry—there are still many delicious, healthy snack options for kids with braces! Here are five of our favorites:
Contents
Braces-Friendly Snack Ideas for Kids
1. Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy option for your children, a fruit salad is always a crowd-pleaser. While many hard fruits such as apples should be avoided while your child has braces, there are tons of softer fruits that could go into a delicious and nutritious fruit salad. We recommend sliced bananas, orange or mandarin slices, grapes, and blueberries.
2. Smoothies
If your child isn’t a fan of the soft fruits they can eat, why not make them a smoothie with all of their favorites? Any fruit or vegetable blended into a smoothie is a safe, healthy option for kids with braces.
3. Zucchini or Banana Bread
With a little time and baking expertise, soft baked goods like zucchini or banana bread are great options for kids with braces. Make it a sweet treat by adding a handful of chocolate chips!
4. Hummus with Pita Bread
While hard, crunchy chips should be avoided to prevent breaking a wire, pita bread paired with hummus or another dip your child enjoys will surely bring a smile to their face. This is a substantial, tasty snack that is a perfect option for kids who have to watch what they eat due to braces.
5. Waffles
Whether they are bought from the frozen food aisle or made at home from scratch, this beloved breakfast food can also be dressed up as a fun snack for kids with braces. Combined with other braces-friendly toppings like soft fruit and honey, waffles can also find a place during dessert! Just be sure to cut the waffle up into bite-size pieces before your child eats it to avoid the tearing motion.
While it’s true that braces do introduce some limitations to your kids’ diet, that doesn’t mean snack time has to be a hassle! As long as you know which foods should be avoided, you can have endless fun remixing safe for braces food into exciting new recipes.
Have questions about whether your child can eat a certain favorite snack, or any other braces-related query? Contact Tisseront Orthodontics today!
