Maintaining healthy eating habits while having braces can seem challenging. Although we know that certain foods should be avoided during treatment with braces (Ex: hard candy, sticky candy or sticky foods, popcorn, raw apples or carrots, hard pizza crust), it is likely that you will come across some of these “forbidden foods” during the course of your orthodontic treatment.
Soft foods such as pasta, rice, and steamed vegetables are easiest to manage. Although many patients wish that their diet consist of frozen treats, which are soothing to the oral cavity, healthier alternative are often better for our bodies, and our mouths.
Below you will find a few “Braces Friendly Recipes” for you and your family to enjoy:
Strawberry Smoothie (Dairy and Gluten Free):
Ingredients:
10 oz Vanilla Flavored Soy or Almond Milk
10 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail
2 cups Frozen Strawberries
8 oz Strawberry Yogurt (can substitute Greek yogurt for more protein)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. Makes 2-3 servings.
*For a thicker smoothie, you can substitute 1 banana for 1 cup of strawberries
Citrus-Basil Baked Salmon in Parchment:
Ingredients Inside Parchment Paper:
1 small zucchini, sliced into strips
1 medium carrot, sliced into strips
4 skinless salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Citrus-Basil Rub:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped lemon peel
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut four squares (15 inches each) of parchment paper. Prepare citrus-basil rub by combining all of its ingredients in a small bowl. For each serving, place 3-4 slices each of zucchini and carrots, then place salmon fillet on top. Drizzle olive oil on top of salmon and sprinkle ½ tablespoon of the rub onto each salmon fillet.
Fold the parchment paper over the salmon and tightly crimp in a half-moon shape, sealing the packet with overlapping folds. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the packet carefully, serve over long grain wild rice.
Makes 4 servings
And remember, broken braces caused by foods that you are supposed to avoid only lengthen your treatment time! At Always Orthodontics, we take pride in educating our patients on keeping teeth healthy before, during and after their orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about braces or orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact Always Orthodontics at (516) 253-1016 and Dr. Ava will be happy to help you!