The holiday season is here, meaning the next several weeks will be filled with family gatherings, festive dinners, and an endless supply of sweets and treats! If you’re wearing braces, though, these delicious items can come with a few risks. The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on the fun! With a little planning, you can enjoy the season and keep your treatment on track; here’s what to keep in mind.
Holiday Foods to Avoid with Braces
Sadly, some seasonal favorites are simply too tough on brackets and wires. Sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy foods are the biggest culprits, since they can pull brackets off your teeth or bend your wire. That said, steer clear of caramel, taffy, candy canes, peanut brittle, caramel apples, nuts, and popcorn. Crusty breads, corn on the cob, and meat served on the bone can also cause problems.
Braces-Friendly Festive Foods You Can Enjoy
Fortunately, there are plenty of festive dishes that are gentle on your braces. Sliced turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, soft dinner rolls, cooked vegetables, and cranberry sauce are all great options. As for dessert, try pumpkin pie, cheesecake, pudding, ice cream, soft sugar cookies, or brownies. While they may be sweet and a cavity risk if you don’t brush afterwards, they should all at least be gentle on your braces.
Tips for Eating Safely with Braces
While wearing braces, a few simple habits can help you avoid food-related trouble:
- Cut your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces and chew with your back teeth.
- Don’t chew on ice or ultra-hard food items, as this can damage your brackets.
- If you’re celebrating away from home, bring a braces travel kit with you.
- Rinse your mouth after meals or have some water if you aren’t able to brush soon after.
- If you encounter any issues with your braces, let your orthodontist know.
- Orthodontic wax can often be used to cover sharp spots on your brackets if they’re still causing discomfort.
All in all, with smart food choices and good oral hygiene habits, you can enjoy every food-filled moment of the holiday season without putting your orthodontic treatment at risk!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Jamie Moon, our team has served the needs of those in Worcester and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages, including tried-and-true metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member this upcoming holiday season, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-2207.