Summer is the perfect season for picnics, BBQs, and outdoor adventures. At Cobb Orthodontics in Greensboro, NC, we want to ensure that you or your child can enjoy summer with braces while keeping your smiles healthy and bright. Here are some braces-friendly food suggestions and tips to help you make the most of your summer fun without worry!
Braces-Friendly Picnic and Barbeque Foods
Picnics and BBQs are a classic part of summer, but some traditional outdoor foods like corn on the cobb, grilled meat with bone, or hard, raw veggies can be tough on braces. Here are some braces-friendly suggestions that everyone will love:
Fire Up the Grill: Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, shrimp kabobs, and boneless chicken kabobs are a few suggestions.
Roasted Veggies: As long as the grill is heated, toss on some zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper. If you like a vegetable with some heat, try some bacon-wrapped grilled jalapenos.
Picnic Sandwiches: If you want simple picnic sandwiches, just about anything goes as long as you choose soft foods like peanut butter and jelly, cheeses, soft lunch meats, etc. and use soft breads.
Pasta or potato salad: Soft pasta salads like macaroni salad, Italian pasta salad, or bacon ranch pasta salad are braces friendly. Soft vegetables like avocado, cucumber, and cooked bell peppers add flavor without adding crunch. For a classic potato salad, try Grandma’s Southern Potato Salad, created right here in North Carolina. And of course, mac’ n cheese is a North Carolina favorite.
Fruit Salads: Summertime is loaded with soft fruits such as bananas, melons, oranges, pineapples, mangos, and berries. You can create your own fruit salad with your favorites.
North Carolina Dessert Favorites: There is always room for dessert, right? Key lime pie, toasted coconut cake, pineapple upside-down cake, lemon pie, banana pudding, and coconut cream pie are some favorites in North Carolina. If none of these tempt your taste buds, stick to other soft desserts like cakes, puddings, ice cream, or frozen yogurt.
Sun Safety for Your Braces
Protecting your smile from the sun is as important as protecting your skin. Here are some tips to ensure your mouth stays healthy:
1. Lip Balm with SPF: Like your skin, your lips can get sunburned too. Use lip balm with SPF to keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial in the summer heat. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your braces and teeth clean. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you prefer filtered water, there are sports water bottles that filter your water as you drink such as the Sport Berkey Water bottle or the Philips Water Go-zero bottle. There are many brands on the market so you may want to research which one is best for you and your family.
3. Avoid Sugary Drinks: While it’s tempting to cool off with a sugary soda or juice, these drinks can contribute to tooth decay, especially around braces. Stick to water or sugar-free beverages. If you do indulge, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward.
4. Wear a Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can help protect your face and lips from direct sunlight, providing an extra layer of protection for your smile.
General Summer Safety Tips for Kids with Braces
1. Wear a Mouthguard: If you’re playing sports or engaging in physical activities, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your braces from damage and your mouth from injury. Custom-fitted mouthguards are best, but store-bought ones can also provide protection.
2. Be Mindful with Summer Treats: Ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and popsicles are summer staples, but be careful with hard or sticky treats that can damage braces.
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Summer can be busy with many fun activities, but don’t forget to brush and floss regularly. Keeping a travel toothbrush and floss in your bag can help you stay on top of your oral hygiene even on the go. Consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser for a thorough cleaning around braces.
4. Handle Braces Emergencies Properly: Know what to do if a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks while you’re away from home. Keep Cobb Orthodontics’ contact information handy, and carry a small kit with orthodontic wax, a mirror, and pain relief items. In case of an emergency, contact Cobb Orthodontics as soon as possible.
5. Plan for Orthodontic Checkups: If you’re going on an extended vacation, schedule an orthodontic checkup before you leave. At your checkup, we can ensure that we address any potential issues and that your braces are in good condition.
Embrace the Summer with Braces and Confidence
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to miss out on summer fun. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy all the season has to offer while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track. So go ahead, pack that picnic basket, enjoy a BBQ, apply your SPF, and head out for some sunny adventures with confidence and a bright smile!
At Cobb Orthodontics, we dedicate ourselves to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.”. Whether you’re playing sports, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a family picnic, these tips will help you make the most of your summer while maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Embrace the season, have fun, and keep smiling brightly!
Dr. Tripp
Cobb Orthodontics
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