Summer Treats That Are Safe For Braces
Posted on 06/19/2018
Everyone knows that there are some foods and snacks that are absolutely perfect for the summer. However, before you chow down on some popsicles or whatever your favorite summer snack is, remember that some foods can damage your braces if you're not careful. If that happens, that means spending one of your valuable summer days here at Tollgate Orthodontics to fix your braces, which you definitely don't want. To make sure you still get to enjoy some amazingly delicious food, here are a few recipes for some of our favorite summer treats that are safe for braces!
“Summer In A Cup” Smoothie (Cold, Refreshing & Braces-Safe)
If you're trying to beat the summer heat, this smoothie is the perfect choice. It’s cold, smooth, and packed with flavor—without anything that could harm your braces.
Why It’s Braces-Friendly
- No hard or crunchy ingredients
- Smooth texture (easy on brackets)
- No ice needed
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 large frozen banana (~1 cup)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
If the smoothie is too thick, add more juice or almond milk and blend again.
Perfect for a quick, cooling snack that won’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.
Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes (Soft & Satisfying)
Backyard BBQ season doesn’t have to be off-limits with braces. These sloppy joes are packed with flavor but designed to be soft and easy to eat.
Why It’s Braces-Friendly
- Ground meat (no tough chewing)
- Soft bun
- Finely chopped vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck steak
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 2 tsp minced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vinegar
- Salt & pepper
- 4 whole wheat buns
- 4 slices of provolone cheese
Instructions
- Cook ground steak and peppers until browned and tender.
- In the same pan, combine the sauce, onion, garlic, mustard, sugar, and vinegar. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
- Add meat back in and cook until fully combined.
- Serve on soft buns with cheese.
Just remember to brush and floss after—this one can get a little messy!
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream (Easy Summer Treat)
No ice cream maker? No problem. This simple recipe gives you a creamy dessert that’s completely braces-safe.
Why It’s Braces-Friendly
- Soft texture
- No crunch or hard mix-ins
- Easy to eat even with sore teeth
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Vanilla bean (optional)
Instructions
- Whip cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in remaining ingredients.
- Pour into a pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Add soft toppings if you like—but avoid anything crunchy or sticky.
What Foods Should You Avoid With Braces?
While these recipes are safe, here are foods to avoid during the summer:
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy)
- Crunchy chips
Your Warwick, RI Orthodontist
At Tollgate Orthodontics, we help patients enjoy life—including summer food—while protecting their smile.
We proudly serve:
- Warwick RI
- East Greenwich
- Jamestown
- Surrounding Rhode Island communities
Want More Braces-Friendly Tips?
Looking for more recipes or orthodontic advice?
Contact Tollgate Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation or learn more about caring for your braces this summer.
FAQ's
What foods are safe to eat with braces in the summer?
Soft foods like smoothies, ground meats, pasta, and ice cream are all safe options.
Can I eat ice cream with braces?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t contain hard or crunchy mix-ins.
Are burgers okay with braces?
They can be if the meat is soft and easy to chew—like sloppy joes.
What snacks should I avoid with braces?
Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like popcorn, candy, and chips.