Adjusting to new braces or getting them tightened can make eating a bit uncomfortable. The right foods can help ease this discomfort and make mealtime easier. To help your child through braces adjustment days, we’ve gathered 25 delicious meals that are gentle on sore teeth and simple to eat. These meal ideas are perfect for making sure your child stays comfortable and satisfied while their braces settle in.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Soft and easy to chew, these turkey meatballs with sweet potato are perfect for kids with braces. The combination of tender meat and smooth sweet potato creates a gentle texture that’s kind to sensitive teeth. They make a filling dinner when your child needs something easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Blueberry Pancakes
Fluffy and full of fruity flavor, these pancakes are great for kids with braces who need something easy on their teeth. The soft texture and sweet blueberries offer a gentle bite without any tough edges. This dish works well for breakfast or even dinner when chewing feels challenging.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pancakes
Potato Gnocchi
Soft and pillowy, this gnocchi is a great choice for kids with braces needing an easy-to-chew meal. These tender dumplings pair well with any sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s gentle on sore teeth. It’s perfect for dinner when eating regular foods feels tough.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Potato Corn Chowder
This creamy chowder blends tender potatoes and sweet corn into a smooth, braces-friendly soup. It’s a filling meal that’s easy on sensitive teeth, offering warmth and comfort without the need for much chewing. Ideal when your child needs a soft, gentle option that’s still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy, mashed potatoes are a classic side that’s perfect for kids with braces. The soft texture makes them easy to enjoy, providing a comforting addition to any meal when regular foods are difficult. They’re an ideal choice when braces make eating a challenge.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Sourdough Pancakes
Light and fluffy, these sourdough pancakes offer a soft texture that’s easy on braces. The mild tangy flavor adds a twist without being hard on sensitive teeth, making them a great meal option. They’re perfect when your child needs a simple, braces-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pancakes
Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes
These mashed potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them gentle on braces. They’re a tasty way to use up leftovers without adding any tough textures that could hurt sensitive teeth. Perfect for a comforting meal when chewing needs to be easy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes
Soy Ginger Salmon
This soy ginger salmon is tender and full of flavor, making it a great braces-friendly meal. The soft fish and light glaze create a dish that’s easy on teeth and packed with taste. It’s an ideal choice for dinner when regular foods feel too hard to eat.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is soft, gentle, and easy to eat, making it perfect for kids with braces. The tender noodles and smooth pea sauce offer a mild flavor that’s kind to sensitive teeth. It’s a comforting dinner when your child needs a simple, braces-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Oatmeal Pancakes
Blended oats give these pancakes a hearty but soft texture that’s easy on braces, making them great for breakfast or dinner. They’re fluffy and satisfying without being tough to chew, offering a gentle option when regular foods feel too hard. A comforting, quick meal that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Pancakes
Greek Yogurt Popsicles
These creamy yogurt popsicles are a soothing treat for kids with braces, offering a cool, smooth texture that’s easy on sore mouths. The mix of yogurt and fruit creates a gentle snack that’s refreshing and simple to make. Perfect for kids who need something soft and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Pesto Salmon
Tender salmon topped with fresh pesto makes for a soft, easy-to-eat meal that’s great for kids with braces. The gentle texture and balanced flavors create a delicious dinner that’s kind to sensitive teeth. It’s a healthy option without any tough parts to chew.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Italian Meatball Soup
Soft meatballs in a savory broth make this soup perfect for kids with braces. It’s a warm, filling meal that’s gentle on teeth, providing comfort without any tough textures. Ideal for when your child needs something hearty but easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Simple Salmon Patties
Soft and flaky, these salmon patties are gentle on braces, making them perfect for kids who need an easy meal. With simple ingredients and a tender bite, they’re a quick dinner option that’s packed with protein without being tough on teeth. Great for weeknights when chewing needs to be kept light.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
This creamy bean soup is smooth, hearty, and gentle on braces, offering a warm meal that’s easy on sensitive teeth. The blend of beans and herbs creates a comforting dish that’s filling without much effort to chew. Ideal for a soft, soothing dinner when regular foods are too hard.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Egg Muffins
These soft, protein-packed egg muffins are a great choice for kids with braces who need an easy-to-eat meal. They’re versatile and can be filled with different ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast or dinner. A quick, braces-friendly option that’s simple to make and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Muffins
Miso Glazed Salmon
Tender and flavorful, this miso glazed salmon is easy on braces, providing a gentle bite that’s kind to sensitive teeth. The soft fish and rich glaze make for a delicious, braces-friendly dinner without any tough textures. A comforting choice for when regular meals are hard to chew.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This lentil soup cooks up soft and hearty, making it a gentle meal for kids with braces. The tender lentils in a flavorful broth are easy on teeth and satisfying without the need for much chewing. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner when your child needs something light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Mini Apple Pancakes
Soft, bite-sized, and full of sweet apple flavor, these pancakes are great for kids with braces. They’re easy to chew and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time regular foods feel too uncomfortable. A fun and gentle option that’s simple to eat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pancakes
Caramelized Apple Oatmeal
Warm and comforting, this oatmeal with caramelized apples is gentle on braces and easy to eat. The tender oats and sweet apples make a soft, soothing breakfast that’s perfect for sensitive teeth. Great for a gentle start to the day when your child needs something filling but easy on their mouth.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Apple Oatmeal
Tomato Soup
This smooth tomato soup is gentle on braces, offering a warm and rich meal that’s easy on teeth. It’s made quickly in the Instant Pot and perfect for when chewing regular foods is too difficult. A simple, satisfying option that’s light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Cacio e Pepe
Creamy and soft, this pasta dish is easy on braces and perfect for kids who need something simple to eat. The tender noodles and cheesy sauce are gentle on teeth and full of flavor, making it a comforting option for dinner. Great for when your child needs a quick, easy-to-chew meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Cream Of Celery Soup
This smooth, creamy celery soup is a great choice for kids with braces because it’s easy on sensitive teeth. The soft, blended celery offers a full flavor without any tough textures, making it perfect for when chewing is uncomfortable. Quick to make and gentle on the mouth, it’s a soothing meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Celery Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy and cheesy, this broccoli cheddar soup is gentle on braces and packed with flavor. The soft broccoli pieces blend into a smooth soup that’s comforting and easy to eat without much effort. It’s a filling meal that works well on its own when chewing feels tough.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl
This colorful smoothie bowl is a soft and nutritious option that’s perfect for kids with braces. The creamy mix of fruits is gentle on teeth, offering a fun and easy-to-eat breakfast that’s light yet filling. A simple choice that’s great for mornings when your child needs something soft and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl