Brace Yourself: Braces-Friendly Recipe Ideas

It happened, your child got braces, and now their life is ruined -- their usual words, not ours, of course. 

When your child gets braces, they may feel as if their food choices are limited. And while yes, some snacks should be avoided you can rest assured that there are still plenty of braces-friendly options:

Breakfast Pancakes

A huge breakfast favorite and luckily kids with braces can still eat them! Change up the recipe for a more healthy alternative. TIP: Replace syrup with applesauce. Syrup is high in sodium, sugar, and carbohydrates -- yuck!

Smoothies

A great breakfast for brace-filled mouths on-the-go! Check out these delicious smoothie recipes and keep these tips in mind to keep your smoothie healthy.

Cold Pasta Salad

This can be prepared in a variety of ways with many different ingredients. Your child can enjoy this dish for lunch and/or dinner! Don’t forget: stay clear of hard vegetables that may hurt your child’s mouth. 

Acai Bowls

Acai bowls look good and taste even better! These delicious small berries are packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids you didn’t know your child needed in their life! Be sure to try one of these recipes.

Lasagna

A delicious dinner dish for kids and they will love to make it with you too! Keep this dish on the light side with whole wheat noodles and lean ground beef.

Frozen Banana “Ice Cream”
This is a healthy alternative to actual ice cream -- dairy, fat, and sugar-free! 

Foods to AVOID:

• Hard nuts, candies, fruits (apples and pears)
• Hard vegetables (carrots and corn on the cob)
• Chips
• Pretzels
• Taco shells
• Pizza crust
• Sticky stuff like taffy, gum, or caramels
• Foods that are high in acidity that could cause discoloration (lemons, limes, or sodas)

For more braces-friendly recipes and orthodontic tips, check out our Pinterest page! 

Celebrate National Cheese Day

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Want a better smile? Say cheese! It’s true, eating cheese can help prevent tooth decay.

In a study published in the journal General Dentistry, children given cheese to eat over milk or sugar-free yogurt had rapid pH increases in the mouth, which is better for tooth decay-free teeth! The casein protein found in cheese helps to fortify the tooth’s surface and protect against cavities. It’s low in sugar and acid, and high in calcium.

So in honor of today being National Cheese Day, we wanted to share some of our favorite cheesy recipes for your kids:

Photo via Flickr / m01229

Mini Pizzas - All you need are some whole wheat english muffins, pizza sauce, cheese and desired toppings - voila, mini pizzas! View the recipe here »

Mac & Cheese - Make your own stovetop macaroni and cheese using whole-wheat macaroni and reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese. View the recipe here »

Cheese Quesadilla - Opt for a whole-wheat tortilla for a boost in fiber and select your child’s favorite cheese. Feel free to add in their favorite items like chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or chicken breast for a nutrient packed meal. View the recipe here »

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese - A new take on a familiar favorite. Combine a classic grilled cheese with a BLT for a luscious veggie-packed sandwich that both adults and kids will enjoy. View the recipe here »

 

Do you have any cheese inspired recipes? Be sure to share with the Adelberg community on our Facebook page!

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.