Since traditional braces come with some dietary restrictions, you might be thinking that this holiday season is going to be lacking in the food department. After all, with no gooey caramel, sticky toffee, and crunchy pecan pie on the menu, what’s left? Fortunately, a lot! Keep reading to learn eight braces-friendly holiday foods that are delicious and orthodontist-approved.
8 of the “Best” Braces-Friendly Holiday Foods
When it comes time to fill your plate, opt for:
- Turkey (off the bone)
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cooked vegetables (i.e., Brussel sprouts, green beans, carrots)
- Creamed corn
- Green bean casserole (without nuts)
- Cranberry sauce
- Pumpkin pie
There are also lots of festive beverages that you can indulge in, including apple cider, eggnog, and hot chocolate! Just make sure to give your teeth and your braces a good clean afterward.
What You Shouldn’t Fill Your Plate With
Naturally hard, sticky, and chewy foods are off the table. Some common examples include raw carrots, caramel apples, hard gingerbread cookies, and candy canes. Although you might be tempted to indulge anyway, it’s important to remember that these are on the list of dietary restrictions for a reason: they could cause an orthodontic emergency! Naturally, the last thing you want to deal with while spending time with loved ones is a broken bracket or wire. So, stick to braces-friendly options instead.
4 Holiday-Specific Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile
The holiday season comes with lots of snacking, festive drinks, and delicious meals. As a result, your teeth are working overtime! That’s why it’s so important to implement a solid oral hygiene routine. There are also a few holiday-specific tips you should keep in mind, including:
- Drinking water with your meals to help rinse away food particles
- Avoiding bad dental habits, like opening packages with your teeth
- Scheduling your second checkup and cleaning of the year (if you haven’t already)
- Brushing after each meal
The holidays just wouldn’t be quite the same without mouth-watering sides, festive drinks, and delicious snacks. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out because of your orthodontic treatment!
About the Practice
Our top-rated team at Simply Orthodontics is passionate about helping patients in the Framingham area straighten their teeth and improve their smiles! Each treatment plan we make is 100% personalized, and we offer several teeth-straightening solutions to enjoy you get the results you desire. If you have a question about life with braces, want to learn more about what you can and can’t eat during orthodontic treatment, or want to schedule an appointment, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 250-0170.