The last few months are the tastiest time of the year! From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving pies, there is an assortment of treats to be eaten. Though there are many tasty treats in which to indulge (in moderation, of course), the holidays may look different for people with braces. Read on to learn five tips for eating holiday meals with braces.
Tip #1. Fill Your Plate with Soft Foods
Carmel, brownies, and peppermint bark may be holiday staples, but they can place extreme pressure on the brackets and wires of your braces. Instead of eating these seasonal treats, stick to eating mostly soft foods like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cooked carrots, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Not only will these be easier on your braces, but they will also make a tasty, filling meal!
Tip #2. Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces
If you want to eat more solid foods like ham or turkey, make sure to cut them up into bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to chew and require less bite power than if you ate them in bigger chunks.
Tip #3. Be Mindful as You Chew
While catching up with friends or watching sports with your family, you may find yourself eating on autopilot. This may put you at risk of you accidentally breaking a bracket or sustaining an injury to the soft tissue in your mouth. Make sure to pay attention to how you’re chewing to avoid these issues.
Tip #4. Abide By Your Dietary Restrictions
With all the benefits braces offer to wearers, they do come with a few dietary restrictions. Eating hard and sticky foods holiday classics like pecan pie, corn on the cob, and crunchy dinner rolls can damage your braces and lead to an orthodontic emergency. It may be hard to skip these foods on the holiday buffet, but it will be worth it to spend your time off with loved ones instead of at the dentist.
Tip #5. Keep Your Dental Care Tools Close
Whether you’re staying home or venturing out of town to visit friends and family, make sure you have the dental tools you need on hand at all times. Consider keeping a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash nearby so you can keep your braces free of plaque, food particles, and bacteria.
The delicious food is a big part of the holidays, but don’t let it damage your braces! With the above tips, you should be able to protect them from harm this season and keep moving towards the smile of your dreams!
About the Practice
Are you worried about enjoying the many foods the holidays have to offer without ruining your braces? Glenpool Braces can help! Led by Dr. Dalia Georgy, they offer several orthodontic options, including traditional braces, and can help you learn the best way to care for them while still enjoying the season to the fullest. If you’re interested in setting up an appointment with Glenpool Braces or have questions about their orthodontic service offerings, call their office at (918) 201-1414 or visit their website to get started.