The Best Summer Foods to Eat with Braces

Summer is the best time for kids to get braces because it offers the greatest flexibility in being able to visit the orthodontist without missing school, sports, or other after-school activities that occupy a significant portion of our time during the school year. Kiddos can also use the break from school to get used to their new hardware. But what about summer barbecues? Sleepovers? Pool parties? Can you still enjoy summer foods while wearing braces? Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes! Check out some of the best foods to eat with braces during the summer along with a few recipes that the entire family will enjoy!

Foods to eat with braces

There are so many wonderful foods to eat with braces, and you can take advantage of many of them being in season and at their peak this time of year. 

Fresh summer fruits and vegetables

During the summer, a plethora of produce is in-season. You can find plenty of braces-friendly fruits and vegetables at your local farmer’s market, such as watermelon, strawberries, peaches, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. 

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only benefits your oral health, but can also improve digestive health, improve blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease. Another tip is to make fresh fruits and vegetables easily accessible to grab on the go. You can cut up slices of red pepper at the beginning of the week and place them in individual containers to grab for an easy snack. Fill up a fruit bowl with bananas, plums, and peaches for an on-the-go healthy snack. While kids may not always want to reach for fruits and veggies over chips and cookies, you help make them more appealing with fun recipes, such as this one for zoodles!

Zucchini “Noodles” / Zoodles: Use a spiralizer to make noodle shapes from your zucchini. You can use these fun zoodles as a base for your favorite pasta dishes or eat them raw. Heat them up in the microwave for 30 seconds and then top with freshly made marinara sauce and meatballs for a healthy and easy-on-the-braces dinner.

Ice cream and frozen treats

What screams summer more than ice cream? Flag down the ice cream truck when it drives by your house and grab a popsicle or ice cream bar and enjoy the treat guilt-free, knowing these frozen goodies can help soothe soreness from braces adjustments too. Cold soft foods are a great choice for those new to braces because they are soothing and easy to eat. You can even make your own ice cream or “Nice Cream” with frozen bananas.

Nice Cream: Freeze several frozen bananas ahead of time, cutting them into slices and placing in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Once frozen, you can blend the frozen bananas with a dash of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a delicious treat. Get creative with add-ins, such as cocoa powder, peanut butter, frozen strawberries, or blueberries to mix it up. 

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, summer is a great time to get started. Contact Milnor Orthodontics for your free consultation today!