Summer is a time for sunshine, fun, and plenty of snacks. But if you or your child wears braces, not every summer treat is safe for orthodontic appliances.
At Strouse Orthodontics, we want to make sure your treatment stays on track while you enjoy your vacation. Damaged brackets or bent wires can delay your progress, so knowing which foods are safe (and which ones are not) is key to avoiding unwanted setbacks.
Here’s your go-to guide on what to enjoy and what to avoid when it comes to summer snacking with braces.
Do: Choose Cool, Soft Treats
Some of the best summer snacks are perfect for braces. Look for cool, soothing options that are easy to chew and won’t put stress on brackets or wires.
Braces-friendly summer snacks include:
- Soft-serve ice cream or frozen yogurt without hard toppings
- Fruit smoothies made with banana, berries, or yogurt
- Popsicles or ice bars that are not too hard or sticky
- Applesauce, pudding, or dairy-free yogurt
- Watermelon (seedless and cut into small bites)
These options are not only safe but can also help soothe the mouth after an adjustment.
Don’t: Eat Hard or Sticky Foods
Certain summer favorites may seem tempting, but they can easily damage your braces. Avoid anything that is chewy, crunchy, or sticky.
Snacks to avoid while wearing braces:
- Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off before eating)
- Hard chips, pretzels, or popcorn
- Chewy candy like taffy, caramels, or fruit chews
- Ice cubes or frozen fruit that hasn’t thawed
- Lollipops or jawbreakers
- Nuts and seeds
Even a single bite of the wrong snack can pop off a bracket or bend a wire, which could delay your treatment and require an emergency visit.
Do: Get Creative with Healthy, Braces-Safe Foods
With a little creativity, you can still enjoy delicious and fun summer snacks that won’t interfere with your orthodontic care.
Smart snack ideas for summer with braces:
- Smoothie bowls with soft toppings like sliced bananas or nut-free granola
- Pasta salad with soft-cooked vegetables
- Soft tortilla wraps filled with turkey, avocado, or hummus
- Seedless melon kabobs
- Cooked vegetables or soft fruit slices kept chilled for a refreshing bite
You can even freeze grapes or banana slices, just make sure they thaw slightly before eating to avoid biting into anything too hard.
Don’t: Forget to Brush After Snacking
Summer usually comes with more snacking, sweets, and drinks. If you’re not keeping up with your oral hygiene, that can quickly lead to plaque buildup and tooth staining around brackets.
Summer hygiene tips for braces:
- Carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss picks with you
- Brush after meals and snacks whenever possible
- If you can’t brush, rinse thoroughly with water
- Limit sugary drinks like soda or sports drinks that can weaken enamel
Staying consistent with brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to protect your smile during treatment.
Stay on Track and Enjoy Your Summer
A few smart choices can help you avoid broken brackets, unnecessary appointments, and delays in your treatment. Our team at Strouse Orthodontics is here to help you make this your healthiest and happiest summer yet.
If you have questions about what you can eat or need help with your appliances, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Schedule Your Summer Appointment Today
Summer is a great time to get started with orthodontic treatment or schedule a checkup before the back-to-school rush. We offer personalized care for patients of all ages in a fun, family-friendly environment.
Call us at 352-688-0331 or schedule online at www.strouseorthodontics.com
We proudly serve Spring Hill, Lecanto, and surrounding Florida communities.