The months between Halloween and New Year’s Eve are filled with much-deserved rest, time with family, and lots and lots of food. Amid the end-of-the-year hustle and bustle, it may be tempting to let the care of your braces slide to the back burner. However, this can result in spending extra time (and money!) on treatment, delaying the time it takes to see your new and improved smile. Therefore, keep the below tips for taking care of your braces in mind this holiday season.

A Few Foods to Avoid

Gooey caramel, warm pecan pie, chocolate-covered popcorn, and marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes are just a few holiday staples that your teeth aren’t a fan of, especially if you have braces. Their sticky consistency can hide in the crevices of the brackets and leave you vulnerable to decay and cavities. Plus, foods that are hard in nature, like peanut brittle, can cause your wires to break, potentially cutting your gums or the inside of your cheek. With this in mind, exercise moderation with desserts and avoid hard foods altogether.

4 Additional Tips for Braces Care

Making the right choices about what you fill your plate with is the first step. However, to ensure your braces remain in good condition well into the new year, there are a few other best practices you should follow, including:

• Brush your teeth after each meal and snack
• Floss at least twice a day
• If you have elastics, continue to wear them at all times (except when you are eating or completing your oral hygiene routine)
• Keep a dental travel kit with you to care for your smile on the go.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dental team is your oral health’s biggest ally. Throughout your treatment, they will use your follow-up appointments to ensure you are on-track and that adjustments are made as needed. They can also answer any questions you have about caring for your braces and share recommendations that can make the responsibility of keeping them in tip-top shape much easier. So, if you are unsure how to maintain them properly this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out!

About the Practice

From traditional braces and clear aligners to orthopedic devices, Simply Orthodontics is the place that families in Framingham trust to straighten, correct, and otherwise perfect their smiles. Both Dr. Leila Nezakatgoo and Dr. Sam Alkhoury have used their extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and gentle touch to help countless patients achieve their smile goals over the years. If you have a question about caring for your braces or are interested in starting treatment before the new year, visit our website or give us a call at 508-250-0170.