Now that you’ve added braces into your equation, you may be hesitant about busting brackets on your favorite summery snacks. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we don’t want you to miss a single moment of the year’s peak season for fresh fruits and veggies, and just because you’re sporting brackets doesn’t mean you’ll have to skimp on the flavors of summer! Check out this list of braces-friendly foods to help enhance your 4th of July celebration!
Corn-off-the-cob
- Summers down South mean sweet corn bursting with the perfect crunch. Few things beat a roasted or grilled ear of Alabama candy, but you’ve likely heard horror stories about corn on the cob wreaking havoc on your braces. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix! Simply grill the good stuff up as usual, then once it’s cooled, use a knife to slice the kernels off the cob and onto your plate. Just one extra step separates you from the sweet juices of golden goodness! Slice away and enjoy as usual!
Watermelon
- Packed full of potassium, watermelon is a must for any backyard barbecue commemorating America’s freedom. It’s moist texture makes it braces-safe and a super high water content makes it a tasty way to stay hydrated in the summer heat. To elevate this incredible summer fruit to new heights, try using it as the star of a gazpacho. Gazpacho, or chilled soup, is an awesome way to meld various veggies with the watermelon for a surprising twist on a summer staple. Check out this recipe for a super smooth version that combines tomatoes, basil, and watermelon together to create an exciting first-course for your 4th of July menu!
Hamburgers and hot dogs
- What goes well with freedom? An expertly grilled hamburger or hot dog! And unlike other protein options, the softer texture of these meats won’t leave your braces all beat up. If you’re concerned about the bun getting wedged in your wires, consider wrapping your burger or hot dog in an iceberg lettuce leaf. You’ll cut back on calories and add more water content to the meal—an absolute perk when it comes to combating dehydration in the midst of Alabama’s July humidity.
Ice cream
- Remember to pack your toothbrush and floss for post-meal maintenance! For more braces-safe summertime menu suggestions, speak with one of our friendly Birmingham Orthodontics team members!
Since you’ve incorporated all those delicious fresh fruits and veggies into your Independence Day soiree, you owe it to yourself to indulge! Since your braces have kept you from the chewy treats like rice crispy treats and the sticky sweets like roasted marshmallows, you may find yourself looking for something to punctuate your 4th of July feast. Stick to the classic summer go-to: ice cream! Scoop up a bowl of your favorite flavor, just be sure to avoid varieties with hard pieces like nuts or candies mixed in. Celebrate with a cool, creamy dessert that simply screams summertime!
At Birmingham Orthodontics, our mission is simple: we create smiles. Not only do we straighten the crooked grin, fix the bite, and adjust the jaw, we also brighten yearbooks, help young people come to like their looks, and give adults the confidence they have wanted for a long, long time. We also believe in our staff. Our culture of continuous learning has allowed us to host monthly training sessions for each team and bring in leading industry consultants to help keep us ahead of the curve. Contact us for a free consultation, or any questions you might have.
