How to Enjoy Classic Summer Foods with Braces

Summer in California is a glorious time filled with sunshine, backyard barbecues, and cherished family gatherings. Kids especially look forward to these sunny months as they finally break free from the school year, celebrating the end of exams and projects. However, while summer is a time for relaxation and fun, it’s also crucial for kids to maintain their important habits—especially when it comes to enjoying their favorite summer foods with braces. As they enjoy their time off, many kids may forget to steer clear of certain foods that can be problematic for their braces.

What’s on the Menu?

Barbecues can be great for kids with braces, or they can be a nightmare. Just remember, there are two categories of foods that you should avoid: hard and sticky. If you’re putting on a family barbecue, for instance, here are some of the classic summer foods that are best for braces:

• Casseroles
• Salads
• Jell-O desserts
• Chicken
• Steak
• Hamburgers
• Soft fruit

Note that these foods are soft, easy to chew, and unlikely to damage the kids’ braces. Be sure to give the kids heaping helpings of foods like these so they can eat without worrying! There are also several common barbecue foods that you shouldn’t serve to your kids with braces:

• Chips
• Nuts
• Beef jerky
• Hard pretzels
• Rice Krispies treats
• Hard/sticky candy (i.e., with caramel or nuts)
• Soda

These foods and beverages are hard, sticky, acidic, or full of sugar. Anything you can do to keep these to a minimum will help!

Conditional Foods

It’s no fun missing out on foods that other people get to eat. Thankfully, your kids can have certain foods if they’re willing to do a little prep work.

• Apples are dangerous for your braces if you bite into them directly, but they’re okay if you slice them into wedges.
• Corn on the cob is a great barbecue food that is similarly iffy for braces while it’s still on the cob. Once you remove the corn from the cob, however, it’s perfectly fine!
• Hull-less popcorn. You’ll have a delicious, braces-safe snack for the kids to eat while you all watch a summer movie.

Have Fun This Summer!

As you embrace the joys of summer with your family, remember to keep your kids' braces in mind when planning meals and gatherings! By choosing soft and safe foods, you can ensure their smiles stay bright and healthy throughout the season. Make this summer a delicious and worry-free experience for everyone!