During this time of year, many families like to get together to eat delicious food and observe certain celebrations. If you have braces, you might wonder how your orthodontic gear will affect your ability to dig into your favorite seasonal meals and snacks. In this blog post, you will find some practical tips to help you protect your braces while you enjoy special events.
Be Cautious with Bone-In Meats
You may love to dig into a juicy turkey leg or a tender piece of ham, but caution is in order. If you accidentally bite a bone, you could end up breaking your braces! Remove meat from the bone before you eat it, and chew carefully just in case you missed any hard bits.
Avoid Crunchy and Hard Foods
Nuts and hard candies are common this time of year. Unfortunately, they run the danger of damaging your braces. Or, they could get stuck in your braces and increase the risk of tooth decay and bad breath. Even if you like such foods very much, it is best to wait until after your braces are removed to start enjoying them again.
Steer Clear of Sticky and Chewy Foods
Sticky and chewy foods could get caught in your braces and irritate your mouth (especially if you recently got your braces adjusted). This includes things like toffee, fudge, caramel, and more. There is nothing wrong with having a treat, but try to favor other items that deliver a delicious taste without running the risk of causing problems for your braces.
Favor Soft Foods
Fortunately, there are lots of soft seasonal foods that are safe to eat with braces. For example, you can feel free to enjoy:
- Tender meats
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Pumpkin pie
- Soft-baked cookies and bread rolls
- Soft cheeses
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing
- Steamed veggies
- Eggnog, hot chocolate, and other drinks (As always, be careful not to overdo it on sugary beverages and foods.)
Keep Your Oral Hygiene Kit with You
It is a good practice to clean your mouth after every meal if you have braces. Whether you are just visiting family for an evening or taking off for a vacation, be sure to pack essential oral hygiene supplies, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a floss threader so you can clean around your braces.
Braces should not stop you from enjoying dearly held family customs! With a few precautions, you can eat a wide variety of foods with confidence.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental, our highly skilled team offers a broad range of services for our community, including traditional braces, preventive care, and more. We are always happy to provide guidance on how our patients can enjoy successful and low-risk treatment. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office in Needham at 781-202-6357.