How to Enjoy a Healthy Holiday with Braces!
The holidays are time for family, relaxation, and of course all kinds of yummy snacks and treats! The only downside is that many of these treats can affect your oral health, especially if you wear braces. Don’t worry though! With these helpful tips from our team at LevelUp Orthodontics, you can enjoy your holidays and make sure that your smile stays happy and healthy!
HOLIDAY FOODS THAT ARE SAFE FOR BRACES
In general, those with braces must avoid foods that are sticky and hard. This is because they can damage the wiring and cause pain in your mouth. Keeping this in mind, here are some safe holiday foods to eat with braces:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Pudding
- Ice Cream
- Stuffing
- Custards
- Pie (with no nuts)
- Dinner Rolls
- Eggnog
- Soft Chocolate
- Sweet Potatoes
- Turkey/Ham
- Cooked Vegetables
So really there is plenty to chow down on! Now to the not so fun part…
HOLIDAY FOODS TO AVOID WITH BRACES
- Candy Canes
- Peanut Brittle
- Pie with nuts such as Pecan Pie
- Raw Vegetables such as uncooked Broccoli
- Meat on the bone
- Caramel treats
BRACES HYGIENE ROUTINE
The most important tip we can give you this holiday season is to practice consistent oral hygiene! No matter what the season, make sure to follow these steps at least two times a day:
- Remove any elastic bands around your braces and brush the wires and pins in your braces.
- Clean out any plaque and leftover food by brushing from the top down on the wires.
- After cleaning your braces with your toothbrush, load up some toothpaste and brush your teeth thoroughly(Make sure to do this for two minutes twice a day!)
- Floss your teeth carefully to remove excess debris, using specialized braces floss.
VISIT AN ORTHODONTIST IN PARKER, COLORADO!
If you’re really getting into the festive spirit consider changing the colors of your braces to reflect your holiday cheer! Make sure to contact us today if you’re interested in aligning your smile this holiday season. We’d be happy to speak to you about our other services including InBrace, Invisalign, Damon Braces, and more. Happy holidays from LevelUp Orthodontics here in Parker, Colorado!
READ MORE