Between the festive music, peppermint mochas, and twinkly lights, it’s not hard to see why this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. However, the season just wouldn’t be the same without the copious amounts of delicious foods. If this is your first holiday season with braces, don’t worry – you don’t have to miss out. In fact, read on to learn 10 holiday recipes that are braces-friendly and delicious!
10 Holiday Recipes That Are Braces-Friendly
Part of having a successful treatment with traditional braces is abiding by the list of dietary restrictions. While this does include some seasonal staples, like pecan pie and corn on the cob, there are lots of recipes that are delicious, festive, and braces-friendly. Here are a few:
- Cheesy potato pancakes
- Soft sugar cookies
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Brown sugar roasted carrots (just make sure they are really cooked!)
- Maple sweet potatoes
- Savory meatballs
- Green bean casserole (without the nuts)
- Mac and cheese
- Pumpkin pie
- Gingerbread donuts
A Few Important Tips for Eating with Braces
Traditional braces are comprised of durable materials, allowing you to chew hassle-free. With that being said, it’s important not to go on autopilot when eating. After all, the last thing you want is to spend your holiday at your orthodontist’s office! So, make sure to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew each bite thoroughly with your back teeth. To prevent your brackets and wires from irritating your gums in the process, use dental wax as needed. Since the material is water-resistant, it will stay in place during your meal. Lastly, make sure to drink lots of water. This will help rinse away food particles that would’ve otherwise clung to your teeth and braces.
How to Keep Your Braces in Tip-Top Shape During the Holidays
Now that you know all about some popular braces-friendly recipes and tips on how to eat with braces, it’s time to talk about how to keep your smile in pristine condition throughout the holidays. If you aren’t already, make sure to:
- Brush after each meal for two full minutes, getting both the bottom and top of each bracket in the process.
- Floss daily.
- Rinse with mouthwash regularly.
- Visit your dentist for your second checkup and cleaning of the year (if you haven’t already).
- Avoid sticky and hard foods, like caramel and peppermint bark.
- Quit unhealthy dental habits, like opening packages with your mouth.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stick to mostly well-balanced, vitamin-rich meals.
- Keep up with your orthodontic appointments.
Let’s face it: the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without all of the delicious foods. Luckily, you don’t have to pass on having a wonderful meal for the sake of your braces! Sticking to the above recipes will ensure you have a wonderful dining experience that doesn’t leave you vulnerable to an orthodontic emergency.
About the Practice
Leading our team at Simply Orthodontics is Dr. Sam Alkhoury, a skilled, awarded, and compassionate orthodontist with more than two decades of experience. With the rest of our hand-selected team at his side, he’s proud to offer our patients traditional braces, Invisalign, pediatric orthodontics and more – whatever it takes to create a healthy, happy smile! If you’re interested in learning more about what you can eat with braces or want to start orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-757-3173.