The holiday season is filled with festive gatherings, delicious meals, and plenty of tempting treats. But if you’re wearing braces, navigating holiday foods can feel a little tricky. The good news? You can still enjoy your favorite dishes without damaging your orthodontic appliances; you just need to make thoughtful choices. Here are 5 dentist-approved tips to help you enjoy holiday meals safely while keeping your braces in great shape.
1. Choose Soft, Braces-Friendly Holiday Favorites
Fortunately, many traditional holiday dishes are naturally soft and safe for braces. Foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, baked vegetables, soft rolls, turkey, ham, and tender desserts are all easy to enjoy. These items require little chewing force, reducing the risk of bending wires or dislodging brackets. If something is soft enough to be mashed with a fork, it’s probably safe for your braces.
2. Cut Difficult Foods into Small, Bite-Sized Pieces
Some holiday favorites like roasted meats, crunchy veggies, and certain desserts can still be enjoyed if you prepare them properly. Cutting food into small, manageable pieces makes a big difference. Instead of biting directly into items like turkey legs, crusty bread, or firm fruits, slice them into smaller chunks and chew with your back teeth. This simple step reduces pressure on your brackets and prevents damage.
3. Avoid Sticky, Hard, or Chewy Treats
The holidays bring plenty of braces-unfriendly treats, including caramel candies, nut brittle, toffee, candy canes, and anything overly crunchy. These foods can easily loosen wires, pop off brackets, or become stuck in hard-to-clean spaces. Even crunchy cookies or pies with tough crusts can be risky. If you’re unsure about a food, err on the side of caution; your future orthodontic visits will thank you! Fortunately, there are many festive alternatives, like soft cookies, pumpkin pie, cheesecakes, mousse, and warm cinnamon apples.
4. Be Extra Diligent with Cleaning After Meals
Holiday meals often involve grazing throughout the day, which can make it easy for food particles to get trapped in your braces. After eating, take a few minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly. Rinse with water first, then brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If possible, bring your interdental brushes or floss threaders; they do a great job of removing stubborn bits stuck around brackets and wires. Good oral hygiene will help prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum inflammation during the busy holiday season.
5. Slow Down and Savor Every Bite
Eating slowly isn’t just good for digestion—it also helps protect your braces. Enjoying your food at a relaxed pace gives you more control and reduces the likelihood of accidentally biting too hard into something that could damage your appliances. Plus, mindful eating enhances your enjoyment of the holiday flavors, allowing you to appreciate each dish without stress.
Braces don’t have to limit your holiday fun. By choosing soft foods, cutting tougher items into smaller pieces, avoiding risky treats, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can comfortably enjoy the season’s best meals. With a little care, you’ll keep your braces secure—and your smile on track—while indulging in the festivities.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich has more than a decade of experience helping patients create the flawless smiles of their dreams. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and to provide advanced orthodontic care, also obtained a Master of Science degree in oral biology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Mikolich knows first-hand the power of orthodontic care and has committed her life to giving that same feeling to others. If you’re curious about braces, schedule an appointment with us online or call (330) 967-4110.