Braces are a big step toward a perfect smile, but they also require dietary changes to avoid damaging brackets and wires. Kids love snacking, and as a parent, you may wonder what foods are both safe and healthy. The good news is that plenty of delicious options won’t harm their braces!
Why Food Choices Matter with Braces
Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, leading to extra trips to the orthodontist. Choosing the right snacks ensures a smooth orthodontic journey and keeps your child’s teeth strong and healthy.
Best Snacks for Kids with Braces
Soft Fruits
Bananas, peaches, mangoes, and seedless grapes are great choices.
Apples should be sliced instead of eaten whole.
Steamed or Soft Vegetables
Avoid raw, hard veggies like baby carrots and celery sticks.
Cooked carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are easy to chew.
Yogurt & Smoothies
A great source of calcium and probiotics for oral health.
Blend fruits with yogurt for a nutritious smoothie.
Cheese & Dairy
Cheese cubes, cottage cheese, and milkshakes are excellent choices.
They provide calcium to strengthen teeth.
Nut Butters
Peanut or almond butter on soft bread or bananas is both nutritious and braces-safe.
Avoid chunky peanut butter with whole nuts.
Boiled Eggs
A protein-packed snack that’s easy to eat and supports healthy teeth.
Soft Protein Bars
Choose soft, nut-free protein bars to avoid damaging braces.
Oatmeal & Soft Cereals
A warm, fiber-rich option that’s easy to eat.
Avoid granola and crunchy cereals.
Soft Tortillas with Hummus
A tasty, protein-rich snack that won’t harm braces.
Mashed Avocado on Toast
A nutritious, easy-to-eat snack that kids love.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
- Popcorn
- Hard nuts
- Sticky candies (caramel, gummies)
- Crunchy chips
- Whole apples and raw carrots
By choosing soft, braces-friendly snacks, you can keep your child’s treatment on track while ensuring they still enjoy delicious and nutritious foods!
