What You Can Eat at BBQs, Fairs & Pool Parties
By Dr. Kim Smith | Smile Suite Orthodontics, Evanston IL
Summer’s here, the grills are heating up, the pool floats are out, and… you’ve got braces. 😬
But don’t worry — having braces or aligners doesn’t mean you have to skip out on summer fun or delicious eats. At Smile Suite Orthodontics in Evanston, we want you to enjoy every BBQ, block party, and funnel cake run without damaging your brackets or derailing your progress.
Here’s your ultimate guide to summer treats you can enjoy — and how to enjoy them safely with braces or aligners.
🍓 Sweet Treats That Won’t Hurt Your Smile
Let’s start with the fun stuff — desserts! Skip the sticky taffy or hard candies and go for:
- Soft-serve ice cream – Classic, safe, and super soothing after an adjustment
- Frozen yogurt – Add soft fruit like strawberries or bananas (no hard granola!)
- Popsicles – Just avoid biting into them; let them melt a bit before enjoying
- Jell-O or pudding cups – Great for poolside snacking or post-braces soreness
- Smoothies – Blend up your favorite fruits with yogurt or almond milk for a braces-safe treat that cools you down and keeps your smile on track
💡 Pro tip: If you’re doing Invisalign, take your aligners out before indulging, rinse your mouth after, and brush before putting them back in.
🌭 Grill Master-Approved Foods
Barbecue season doesn’t have to be brace-breaker season. Here’s what to fill your plate with:
✅ Soft proteins:
- Shredded BBQ chicken
- Pulled pork (just watch for hidden bits of bone)
- Hamburger patties (no crusty buns!)
- Salmon or tilapia
- Hot dogs (sliced and bun-free is easier to manage)
✅ Side dishes:
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Potato salad
- Grilled veggies (like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potato — just no raw corn on the cob)
🥄 Avoid:
- Ribs on the bone (trust us)
- Corn on the cob (cut it off instead!)
- Crunchy chips
- Crusty or toasted buns
🍿 Fair Food Fun — Without the Fuss
Headed to Taste of Evanston or a summer festival in Skokie or Wilmette? You can still enjoy the fun foods — just swap out the tricky ones.
✅ Safe choices:
- Funnel cake (soft, fluffy, sweet)
- Soft pretzels (no hard crusts)
- Cotton candy (melts in your mouth)
- Snow cones (just don’t chew the ice!)
- Soft tacos (corn tortilla preferred)
🚫 Skip these:
- Popcorn (kernel traps = orthodontic nightmares)
- Caramel apples
- Candy apples
- Nachos with hard chips
- Giant turkey legs (too tough to bite into)
🏖️ Poolside Snacks (That Won’t Wreck Your Brackets)
Swimming all day? You’ll want light, refreshing snacks that are braces-friendly and easy to pack:
- Sliced melon, peaches, or kiwi
- Applesauce cups
- String cheese
- Soft granola bars (no nuts or crunchy bits)
- Yogurt tubes (chill them in the cooler!)
- PB&J sandwiches on soft bread (cut into small squares for easy chewing)
Make sure to brush or rinse after snacks — especially if you’re in aligners — because summer heat + sugary snacks = a recipe for cavities if you’re not careful.
💧 Hydration Is Key
When it’s hot out, you need to stay hydrated — but some drinks can stain your aligners or increase cavity risk.
✅ Stick to:
- Water (flavored or plain)
- Herbal iced tea
- Coconut water
- Sparkling water (low-acid and no sugar is best)
🚫 Watch out for:
- Sugary soda
- Dark iced coffee or tea (can stain aligners)
- Lemonade (acidic + sugary = enamel trouble)
🦷 Quick Ortho Tips for Summer Eating
- Carry your ortho kit: Pack floss picks, a travel toothbrush, wax, and your aligner case
- Avoid chewing ice (yes, even if it’s hot!)
- Cut food into small bites to prevent bending wires or popping brackets
- Brush after meals — especially if you’re eating sweets or sticky BBQ sauce
- Don’t eat with aligners in — always remove, rinse, and clean before putting them back
☀️ Smile-Friendly Summer = Confidence All Season Long
At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we believe braces shouldn’t stop you from living your best summer life. From graduation parties in Evanston to 4th of July festivals in Rogers Park, we’ve got your smile covered.
So eat the treat, take the selfie, and enjoy the sunshine — just do it with a little extra care for your smile-in-progress.
Book your summer check-in with us at 2422 Main St, Evanston, IL and let’s keep your treatment on track while you soak up the season.
