If your child has just started their orthodontic treatment, it can be difficult to help them get used to their braces in Newbury Park. Don’t worry, it’s just the beginning though. Although braces can take some time getting used to, you as the parent can make it an easier transition by packing foods for your child’s lunches that they can actually eat.
Your dentist probably explained that your child now has a restricted diet, so it’s important to follow those instructions to ensure that their orthodontic treatment doesn’t become damaged. Learn ore about how you can pack nutritious, safe foods in this week’s blog post.
Why is it important to follow the restricted diet rules?
Children and teens with braces need to pay close attention to what they’re eating, and they need to adjust their diets to avoid foods that can damage their dental work. Here’s a quick rule to remember: don’t allow your child to eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods!
In fact, here’s a quick guide from your children’s dentist in Newbury Park that can make food preparation a bit easier for your household to manage.
DO NOT allow your child to eat these foods if they have braces:
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Corn chips
- Hard pretzels
- Chewy, hard crusts
- Crunchy peanut butter
- Hard or sticky candy
Foods that your child can enjoy with their orthodontic treatment:
- Lunch meat sandwich
- Tuna, chicken or egg salad sandwich
- Creamy peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Potato or pasta salad
- Soft fruits
- Greek yogurt with soft fruit
- Hard boiled eggs
- Casseroles
- Cheese or hummus and softer crackers (Ritz crackers for example)
- Cottage cheese
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Jell-O
You can start to get the point! Although your child’s diet is a bit restricted, they can still enjoy many foods that won’t damage their dental work. Be sure to mix and match their favorite foods so that they don’t get bored of a repetitive diet and risk damaging their braces.
How can your dentist help?
In the case that a bracket or wire does become damaged—whether it’s food related or not—be sure to contact your dentist. It’s important to keep all pieces intact when completing the straightening treatment. Your dentist will be able to repair the damaged piece or replace it during your dental visit.
If you have any questions about foods to avoid with braces, be sure to check with a dentist that offers orthodontics in Newbury Park!
About Our Office
Here at Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics, we work to keep all of your loved one’s smile’s healthy and bright. This means that when your child undergoes their straightening treatment, you can be confident that we will explain even the finest details of the treaty with both your child and the head of household, ensuring their dental work will stay intact and be effective. Be sure to contact us today if you need help choosing the best foods for your little one.