We can all agree that one of the best parts of the holiday season is the delicious food. From turkey dinners with amazing side dishes to an array of pies and sweet treats, there is a lot to look forward to–but did you know that many holiday foods can be damaging to your braces? The good news is that lots of our favorite holiday foods ARE braces-friendly. Hoskinson Orthodontics has put together a guide of all the foods that are safe to eat with your braces, and which to avoid this holiday season. Read on to learn more!
We can answer any questions you may have about caring for your braces. In search of a trustworthy orthodontist in or around Scotia, NY? Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics to schedule an appointment today!
The Worst
Let’s get the bad news out of the way: Whether you just got your braces or have had them for years, there are many types of food you should avoid. The main culprits are hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. If the food requires you to bite down forcefully, chew excessively, or gets stuck in your teeth, you shouldn’t be eating it with your braces.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
- Hard candies
- Candy canes (don’t bite into them)
- Caramels and toffee
- Licorice
- Corn on the cob
- Meat on the bone
- Crunchy fruits/veggies (whole apples, carrots)
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Crunchy pretzels, chips, or cookies
The Best
Time for the good news: lots of typical holiday foods are braces-friendly! Our main tip is to choose soft foods. You can’t go wrong with casseroles, mashed potatoes, soft bread, and steamed vegetables. If you’re eating meat like turkey or ham, just cut it up into small bites, as excessive chewing can damage your braces.
Don’t feel like you have to skip out on dessert, either. Soft sweets like pies, cakes, soft cookies, and eggnog or hot chocolate are braces-safe–just don’t forget to brush afterward! If you’ve eaten more sugar than normal, you’ll need to give your teeth some extra attention.
Holiday Foods That Are Braces-Safe
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Steamed or roasted veggies
- Stuffing
- Mac and cheese
- Applesauce
- Cranberry sauce
- Soft bread/rolls
- Meat that is cut into small bites
- Chocolate
Extra Tips
If you are eating at someone else’s house, it’s a good idea to let them know ahead of time that you may need to avoid certain foods. This way, they can be as accommodating as possible. If there aren’t many options for you, cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly.
If you’re traveling or visiting loved ones for the holidays, remember to pack your essentials. Bring a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to keep up your routine of brushing twice a day. Because lots of food and plaque can build up between the brackets of your braces, you’ll need to give each tooth some individual attention. Also, be sure to have dental picks, mouthwash, and extra rubber bands on hand should you need them.
Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics!
From all of us at Hoskinson Orthodontics, Happy Holidays! We want to make sure you enjoy all of the delicious foods while still taking care of your teeth. By following our guide on which foods to eat and which to avoid, you can prevent tooth damage or a braces mishap.
Have more questions about caring for your braces? Get in touch with us at Hoskinson Orthodontics in Scotia, NY, today!