Brace journeys are never easy for children. Even with the best orthodontist in Little Italy, the dietary restrictions, oral hygiene requirements, and the sole presence of the brackets and wires can become a source of distress to them. For that reason, every child’s dream is for their braces journey to be quick and free of trouble.

Planning small movements is important when placing braces, as a shift done too quickly can impact jawbone density in the long run. However, parents can fasten their children’s journey by fostering a diet filled with these top 10 braces-friendly foods!

10 Foods that Contribute to a Quicker Braces Journey

The foods your child eats play a big role in the healthy development of their body, and their mouth is no exception. When your kid is undergoing a lengthy braces treatment, picking the right diet can do much more than ensure the success of the process; it can also help make it shorter.

To achieve that, some foods that dentists often recommend include:

1. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)

Dairy products are a dentist’s best friend, and it’s no secret why. Milk, cheese, or yogurt all contain calcium and phosphates, two fundamental minerals in bone growth. Moreover, dairy helps remineralize enamel, preventing or reversing small cavities in the smile.  

Yogurt with probiotics also promotes a healthy oral microbiome, which can help reduce cavity-forming bacteria.

• Key Nutrients in Dairy: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, probiotics  

2. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard)  

Unknown to many, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard are also excellent for your child's teeth. High in calcium and antioxidants, these greens strengthen the bone structure around teeth and reduce gum inflammation, preventing treatment-stopping issues, like pediatric gum disease.

• Key Nutrients in Leafy Greens: Calcium, folic acid, vitamin K, and vitamin C

3. Eggs

Eggs are a soft protein source rich in vitamin D and phosphorus. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone growth, especially during childhood and adolescence when the skeletal system is rapidly developing.

Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, only 10–15% of dietary calcium is absorbed, which can impact your child's bone mass. For that reason, a diet rich in this vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and to help maintain the integrity of tooth roots and jawbone.

• Key Nutrients in Eggs: Vitamin D, phosphorus, protein, and vitamin B12

4. Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines)

Fish, thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, supports bone density and oral tissue repair. Omega-3 has antibacterial effects against many mouth bacteria, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, fatty fish like salmon and sardines contain vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Key Nutrients in Fish: Omega-3s, vitamin D, calcium (in canned sardines)

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and a must in any braces kid’s diet. Vitamin A helps maintain mucous membranes and soft tissues like the gums, which is important for comfort and healing during braces treatment.

Moreover, it can be boiled until softened, resulting in an easy-to-eat and safe treat.

• Key Nutrients in Sweet Potatoes: Beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), vitamin C.

6. Carrots (Steamed or Boiled for Braces)

Carrots are high in fiber, require thorough chewing, and contain about 86–95% water, all of which support saliva production. Saliva is key for protecting against tooth decay because it helps neutralize acids in the mouth, remineralize teeth, and cleanse away food particles. This makes it the perfect protective barrier against bacteria.

Additionally, carrots are high in vitamin A. Just make sure to boil them—raw carrots can be too tough to chew, potentially dislodging or breaking the brackets!

• Key Nutrients of Carrots: Beta-carotene, fiber

7. Nuts and Seeds (Ground or in Butters)

Packed with phosphorus and magnesium, nuts and seeds can be a key contributor to your child’s braces journey when eaten properly – just don’t eat them whole. Magnesium plays a vital but often underappreciated role in bone health.

It works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D to build and maintain strong bones throughout life. It helps regulate calcium transport and metabolism, preventing excess calcium buildup in soft tissues and ensuring it's directed into bones. It also contributes to the mineral density and structural integrity of bone tissue.

Nevertheless, it’s important to grind nuts before giving them to children with braces. If not, they could dislodge or harm their appliances. The only way to consume them would be as a butter or paste.

• Key Nutrients in Nuts and Seeds: Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium

8. Bananas  

Gentle on braces and non-acidic, bananas are an easy-to-chew snack that won’t damage your children’s brackets or wires. Moreover, they’re high in potassium and magnesium, which help regulate calcium levels and promote nerve function, which is crucial for jaw movements.  

• Key Nutrients in Bananas: Potassium, magnesium, vitamin C

9. Avocados

Avocados are a soft, nutrient-dense food with healthy fats and vitamin E.

This vitamin helps reduce gum inflammation and aids in tissue repair, preventing gum disease that could halt your children’s braces treatment.  

• Key Nutrients in Avocados: Vitamin E, B vitamins, potassium  

10. Water (with Fluoride)

Water is a key ally to good oral health. It keeps the mouth hydrated, stimulates saliva, and helps prevent plaque build-up, eventually resulting in tooth decay.  

Additionally, fluoridated water strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of decalcification around brackets.

Ensuring a Healthy Braces Journey: Why Diet Matters

Finding a reliable orthodontist and following their instructions regarding braces care plays a big role in making this time easier for your child, but the role of diet is primordial. Having a braces-friendly diet is much more than avoiding foods that could harm or break the appliances; it’s about consuming foods that support faster healing and foster stronger dental structures.  

By doing so, parents can help mitigate common braces challenges such as:  

• Demineralization and white spot lesions  

• Gingivitis due to trapped plaque  

• Enamel erosion from acidic diets  

Support Your Children’s Braces Journey with These Tips From an Orthodontist in Little Italy

Getting braces is never an easy decision, but it can benefit your child’s oral health in the long run. Luckily, there are things you can do to make this time easier for them. Including these foods in their diet—while avoiding sticky, sugary, or excessively hard foods—can reduce treatment times and improve their orthodontic outcome.

Additionally, patients should regularly visit Perfect Smile Doc to assess their progress. If you’re due for a check-up, contact us today to set up an appointment!