It is challenging for children to get used to wearing braces and even more difficult for them to adjust their eating habits.
While it might not be a big deal to your child, it’s important that you provide them with braces-friendly snacks that will not damage their braces and prolong their dental realignment. You should also make sure they understand why they shouldn’t eat certain snacks so they don’t make the mistake of testing the waters at school or friends’ houses.
While there are specific snacks that your child should avoid because of their braces, there are many snacks that they can enjoy. Here are 9 soft snacks for kids with braces.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best snacks for braces, especially for children who just got their braces put on. Yogurt is packed with protein and calcium, soothing the gums and teeth.
The calcium helps contribute to keeping the teeth and bones strong. To maintain a balanced diet, try to give your child low-fat yogurts that do not contain a lot of sugar.
2. Grapes
Grapes are great snacks for kids with braces. Grapes are considered soft fruit, which is easy for kids to chew with braces.
They contain many vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy choice. Grapes do not get stuck to the teeth and are generally simple to chew.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a soft, smooth, and nutritious snack that is easy to chew. A banana is a perfect snack if you are on the go and are easy on the braces. Bananas contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and other beneficial compounds.
Not only will bananas help your child’s digestive and heart health, but they will also not get stuck in the teeth.
4. String Cheese
String cheese is soft, easy to chew, and full of calcium. Pulling apart the cheese into small, bite-sized pieces is the best way for your child to eat this delicious snack.
String cheese is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, and protein. In addition, there are various types of string cheese to choose from. Your child can enjoy cheddar, mozzarella, muenster, or even colby jack.
5. Smoothies
Smoothies are gentle on braces and teeth and come in many combinations. You can mix fruits and vegetables into smoothies, providing nutrition to your child. A smoothie is helpful when braces are first put on, as it can help numb your mouth and relieve it. Some popular smoothies include
- Strawberry banana
- Banana and peanut butter
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Berry
- Cherry
- Tropical fruit
- Raspberry
- Mango
- Cucumber and kale
- Avocado and papaya
6. Applesauce
Applesauce is one of the most delicious and gentle snacks for braces. Your child can enjoy various types of applesauce, like plain, banana, blueberry, strawberry, and mixed berry applesauce. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top to add extra flavor.
If you would instead not purchase pre-made applesauce from the store, you can make one for your child. Making your own applesauce can be more cost-effective, as it is inexpensive to make and store.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are healthy and satisfying, making them good snacks for braces. They are typically soft enough to eat even when the teeth and jaw are sore after getting braces or an adjustment.
Sweet potato fries can be purchased in the grocery store’s frozen aisle, or you can make them at home using fresh sweet potatoes. Your child might enjoy them with a pinch of salt and a dipping sauce like catsup on the side.
8. Pudding or Custard
Soft pudding or custard is an excellent snack for children with braces, as most kids will enjoy it. Puddings and custards are sweet and creamy and come in various flavors.
Your child may enjoy some puddings, including vanilla, chocolate, lemon, banana, butterscotch, or caramel. Your child may enjoy custard flavors, including vanilla, butterscotch, strawberry, or raspberry.
9. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy, smooth blend of chickpeas blended with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and tahini. While it might sound like something your child will not enjoy, they will most likely enjoy it once they taste it.
Hummus is excellent for your child to eat with soft crackers, bread, or veggies. You can make the hummus yourself or purchase it pre-made at the store. It typically comes in flavors like plain hummus, sun-dried tomato and basil, roasted red pepper, chipotle, and roasted garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some common frequently asked questions regarding braces-friendly snacks and foods.
What candies can kids eat with braces?
There are multiple types of candies that your child with braces can enjoy. Some candies that are safe to eat with braces include
- Plain or peanut butter M&Ms
- Chocolate bars
- KitKats
- Reese’s pieces
- 3 Musketeers
- Smarties
- Peppermint Patties
- Snow Caps
- Pixy Stix
Your child should avoid candies with caramel, nuts, or anything too sticky, as they can become wedged under the wire and pop off your child’s brackets.
What foods can break your braces?
Your child should avoid crunchy, chewy, sticky, or hard foods when they have braces. Kids with braces should avoid these types of foods:
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Bagels
- Hard rolls
- Corn on the cob
- Raw carrots
- Apples
- Hard taco shells
What are good soft foods to eat with braces?
Some good soft foods to eat with braces include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pancakes
- Cream of wheat
- Oatmeal
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- French toast
- Fish
- Sweet potatoes
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Ice cream
Final Thoughts
We understand that adjusting your child’s diet is challenging once they receive braces. However, the adjustments aren’t impossible. There are many soft snacks for kids with braces that will not cause damage.
Find the right Orthodontic or Pediatric Dental care your child needs at The Super Dentists. Schedule an appointment today and bring your family to a Super Dentists location near you!
