Wearing braces can be challenging, especially during the holidays. There’s seemingly no end to all the delicious food laid out on the table during family gatherings. However, with braces, many of those foods are out of bounds. No need to worry! With a few modifications and a little discipline, you’ll be able to enjoy the tastes of the season without compromising your braces.
If you want to learn how to survive festive feasts this year while keeping your orthodontic treatment on track, continue reading.
1. Choose Soft Foods or Soften Them Yourself
Mashed potatoes, steamed squash, sweet potato casserole, and salad are all great examples of soft foods you should feast upon. More tender meats are also on the menu, but many times it’s difficult to get these dishes right.
If your turkey comes out dry and chewy, cut it into small pieces and slather it with gravy. The added moisture will make the meat easier to chew and taste great!
2. Avoid Sticky and Hard Candy with Braces
There are plenty of sticky, chewy, and crunchy candies available during the holidays. Caramels, taffy, candy canes, and gumdrops are all terrible for braces. They stick to your teeth and can wreak havoc on your braces, lodging in or breaking the wires and brackets.
3. Chew Your Food Thoughtfully
It’s all fun and games until you bite down on a hard popcorn kernel or a stray piece of bone. While you’re enjoying your delectable holiday foods, chew every bite slowly to avoid damaging your braces. This is also good advice if you’re going to enjoy fruits or berries with pits. Pitted cherries are a menace!
4. Avoid Hard or Chewy Bread with Braces
When it comes to bread, it’s important to steer clear of hard or chewy varieties. Baguettes and crusty rolls can potentially cause damage to wires and brackets due to their hard outer crust. Additionally, chewy bread like dense artisan loaves or bagels can form starchy, sticky residue that can be difficult to manage.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the tastes of the holiday season more comfortably with your braces intact. Be mindful of what you eat and how you eat. Your treatment won’t last forever, and the more care you take, the faster you’ll see the stunning results on your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich is a talented and knowledgeable orthodontist with over a decade of experience in helping patients achieve their dream smiles. She earned her dental doctorate from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and then a Master of Science degree in oral biology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. This gave her the skills needed to become an expert in orthodontics. If you or a loved one need braces, schedule your appointment before the holiday rush! Call (330) 967-4110 to schedule a consultation at Mikolich Orthodontics or visit the website to learn more.