We are coming into the holiday season, which means lots of traditions, family festivities and treats!
If you are in braces, it can also mean missing out on some of your holiday favorites. We want the most wonderful time of the year to be the most wonderful time without the worry of an orthodontic emergency.
So, here are 5 tips that will help you not just survive but enjoy the holidays while in braces.
5 Tips To Help You Enjoy The Holidays In Braces
1. Stay Away From Sticky Or Crunchy Snacks
Biting down on something hard or crunchy could damage your braces, and sticky foods could pull the bracket off your teeth. Make sure to cut up your food into bite size pieces and chew thoroughly. Try to stay away from certain treats that have the potential to cause orthodontic damage including:
- Taffy
- Peanut Brittle
- Hard Caramel
- Nuts/seeds
- Candy Canes (these are okay to suck on, just don’t bite into them!)
2. Look For Softer Foods To Enjoy
It may seem like there are a lot of limitations to the food that you can enjoy, but there are plenty of yummy braces-friendly-foods that you can eat including:
- Pie
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Soft chocolates
- Sliced fruit
- Rolls
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Stuffing
- Turkey and ham
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potatoes
- Salad
- Hot Cocoa/Apple Cider
3. Keep Your Orthodontic Appointments
It can be easy to let a few things slip through the cracks during the hectic holiday season; don’t let your orthodontic appointments be one of them. Periodic adjustments and examinations are important for making sure your treatment is still on track.
4. Brush Your Teeth More Often
With the holidays comes extra treats and sugary foods, which leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay and white spots. If you know you will be gone for a long period of time, bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you so you can step into the bathroom to brush. Try to brush after every meal for 2-4 minutes.
5. Keep An Orthodontic Kit With You
Another tip to help keep the fun in your holiday season is to keep a small emergency kit with you. Not only can your braces stay clean but you will also be prepared for anything that can happen. Some things to keep in your bag are:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Floss threaders
- Proxy brush
- Dental wax
- Over the counter painkillers (like Tylenol or Ibuprofen)
- Elastics (you never want to be without these!!)
These tips aren’t given to you just to make life hard, but to make sure that treatment progresses on time and gives you the best results. So be nice (and not naughty!) this season by having a plan and sticking to it!
If you do have an orthodontic emergency or want to set up a free consultation, please give us a call (208) 734-4314.
From all of us at Ward + Campbell Orthodontics, have a happy and safe Holiday Season!
