Packing a Braces-Friendly School Lunch
Once braces go on, it can feel like your favorite snacks are suddenly off the table. But packing a lunch that’s both delicious and braces-safe is totally doable with just a little planning. Here are some tips and ideas to make lunchtime easy, satisfying, and safe for your smile.
Go Soft but Satisfying
The goal is to avoid foods that are too hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. That doesn’t mean boring. Try these teen-approved ideas:
Main: Soft sandwich on whole grain bread (skip crusty rolls), quesadillas, wraps with turkey or hummus, or pasta salad.
Fruits & Veggies: Soft fruits like bananas, berries, or melon slices. Steamed or sliced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
Snacks: String cheese, yogurt tubes, applesauce cups, soft granola bars (no nuts or hard pieces), or crackers that aren’t too thick.
Skip the Troublemakers
Avoid hard chips, pretzels, popcorn, whole apples or carrots (unless cut into thin slices), and anything sticky like fruit snacks or chewy candy. These can bend wires or pop brackets off.
Make It Easy to Clean Up
Pack a travel toothbrush or floss picks for a quick brush after lunch if possible. A mirror and some water can also do the trick in a pinch.
With the right mix, your school lunch can still be something to look forward to even with braces!
