The holiday season is a wonderful time of relaxing, spending time with loved ones, and indulging on delicious food. For people with braces, however, it can be a tricky time as you navigate between which dishes are safe to partake in and which ones should wait until your orthodontic appliances are removed. Being mindful of which foods are braces-friendly will ensure that you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile during and after braces. Here are some tips to protect and care for your braces this holiday season.
Foods to Avoid
It’s best to stay away from any food that is particularly sticky, chewy, or hard while wearing braces. These might include:
- Caramel
- Dried fruit and meat
- Uncooked vegetables
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Doughy breads
While excessively hard foods could easily break your wires, sticky foods can easily get trapped behind brackets and are difficult to remove. This puts you at risk of developing tooth decay.
Foods to Enjoy
Fortunately, there are plenty of holiday dishes that you can safely enjoy with braces.
- Turkey or ham
- Cooked vegetables
- Casseroles
- Dressing
- Deviled eggs
- Soft desserts
- Soft breads
The key to braces-friendly food options is that they be easy to chew and you’re able to place them in the back of your mouth. When in doubt, always cut your food into bite-size pieces, being careful never to bite with your front teeth or off the bone.
Caring for Your Braces All Season Long
After eating your favorite holiday staples, it’s wise to rinse your mouth with water, especially if you’ve eaten sweets. This will help eliminate some of the excess sugar on your teeth and prevent cavities. While the holidays are a great time to rest, it’s important that you stay vigilant about thoroughly brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as keeping your scheduled dental and orthodontal appointments.
Unionville Orthodontics is here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile all season long. To learn more about caring for your braces over the holidays, contact us today. We can’t wait to see you smile!
-The Unionville Orthodontics Team
