Now that we’re heading into the holiday season, there will be many get-togethers to attend where lots of traditional foods and snacks are served. If you’re currently visiting our Frederick MD orthodontics practice to improve your smile with standard braces, this is a time of the year in which you need to be mindful of what you eat.
The last thing you want to happen is to end up needing an emergency appointment to repair your braces because of something you ate. Even though you have braces bonded to your teeth, you can still enjoy some delicious holiday foods and have as much fun as those who aren’t wearing braces. Here is a brief holiday survival guide for those of you wearing conventional braces to help you celebrate this special time of the year.
Think Before You Eat
Even though that sticky and gooey pecan pie looks amazing, you need to stop and think about your braces before you dig into any foods that can damage your appliances. Always keep in mind those types of foods you should steer clear of including sticky, gooey, crunchy and hard foods. If you’re going to attend a party and are unsure of what foods will be available, either call ahead and ask or take along a few braces-friendly foods you know are safe to eat.
Brush Your Teeth More Often
It’s likely that you will be consuming more foods high in sugar during the holidays. This puts your teeth at higher risk for developing decay so be sure to brush your teeth more often. When you brush your teeth after eating, it will prevent the sugar in foods from eating away at the enamel on your teeth. If you know you will be away from home for an extended period of time, take along your toothbrush and toothpaste so you can step into a restroom after eating to clean your teeth.
Don’t Skip Your Appointments
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season which is perfectly fine as long as you don’t skip any scheduled appointments we’ve made for you. These regular visits with Dr. Moles are important and necessary for keeping your treatment on track.
Eat Healthy Foods & Snacks That Won’t Harm Your Braces
While it may seem like you cannot enjoy any of your favorite holiday foods like sticky pies, hard crusted rolls and chewy candies and other sweets, there are in fact many foods and snacks you can enjoy while wearing braces. Below are a few healthy alternatives you can safely eat when you have braces bonded to your teeth:
- Homemade kale chips
- Homemade sweet potato chips
- Soft, whole wheat bread sticks and any soft breads without hard crusts
- Soft cheeses including holiday cheese balls and logs (without the nuts)
- Natural Greek yogurt topped with warmed honey and berries
- Fruit salads made with seedless grapes and soft fruits like oranges, nectarines & tangerines
- Cinnamon applesauce
- Potato pancakes topped with sour cream
